ORTWS Chapter Awards

Jim and Cheryl have been pillars of wildlife stewardship in Oregon throughout their careers.  Cheryl Friesen has demonstrated outstanding lifetime contributions to the wildlife profession through more than 30 years of service as a U.S. Forest Service wildlife biologist and science liaison, where she bridged research and management by helping design and implement studies by translating complex scientific findings into actionable conservation strategies. Notably, she has facilitated over 20 workshops on topics such young stand thinning and diversity, spotted owl prey, managing forests in Northern Spotted Owl critical habitat, recreationist impacts on wildlife, prescribed and wildfire management, and integrating social science into forest management planning and implementation. Her leadership in fostering science-management partnerships and advancing ecosystem recovery exemplifies innovation, integrity, and dedication to conservation.

Cheryl dedicated many years to serving in various board roles for the Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society. She has served in nearly every capacity one can serve for ORTWS. Cheryl served as Secretary-Treasurer, President, and as board member. As is the case with many people who serve on the ORTWS Board, Cheryl has participated in and chaired numerous committees, such as Finance, Fundraising, and Workshop Coordinator. Beyond serving on the board, she has a long history of participating in annual meetings and associated events, such as organizing symposia and supporting students during events such as ‘Breakfast with a Wildlifer’ and Mentor sessions.

Cheryl leaves a legacy of translating science into management relevant conservation actions to inform restoration and recovery planning in forested ecosystems in Oregon. In fact, she has been recognized numerous times for her contributions in research, conservation, and advocacy efforts. Cheryl was awarded the ORTWS Outstanding Service Award in 1997 and 2001, and she was awarded ORTWS Conservation Award in 2022.

Jim Thrailkill has been a role model for biologists in Oregon throughout his career through his work on northern spotted owl research as leader for northern spotted owl research at the HJ Andrews research forest (OSU), serving as the spotted owl specialist and regional supervisor for the USFWS regional office in Roseburg, and serving as president and board member of ORTWS. During his work with USFWS, Jim made tremendous contributions both to the conservation of Oregon’s fish and wildlife resource and to the development of young wildlife biologists in Oregon. As supervisor of the USFWS Roseburg Field Office, Jim led efforts for the recovery of the northern spotted owl and other forest species such as Pacific marten, fisher, and marbled murrelet. But his work went well beyond forests to also include coastal resources, vernal pools, and endangered plants and invertebrates. In addition to his technical expertise in wildlife conservation, Jim also mentored young wildlife biologists in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Jim set the highest standard of professionalism and worked collaboratively with people on all sides of controversial issues. His opinion and position were trusted by people who were often in disagreement on conservation issues, such as representatives of the forest industry and environmentalists. In dealing with complex scientific and policy issues, such as administration of the Endangered Species Act, Jim brought a measured, confident, and respectful tone to his work. This in turn set a positive example for his staff and other wildlife biologists to emulate as they developed in their careers. Ultimately, Jim’s work in Oregon has led to the conservation of forest and other habitats, the protection of multiple fish and wildlife species and populations, and the mentoring of young wildlife biologists who he directly supervised or interacted with from other agencies and organizations.