Stephen Patch, Senior Fish and Wildlife Biologist at the US Fish and Wildlife’s New York Field Office in Cortland NY, was recently awarded the New York State Council of Trout Unlimited’s Professional Resource Award at a General Meeting of the New York State Council of Trout Unlimited in Cold Brook, NY.

The prestigious honor is awarded annually to a conservation professional who has made exemplary contributions to New York’s environment in the field of fisheries conservation. 

Patch, who is responsible for the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s oversight in New York regarding hydro dams and generators, was recognized for his outstanding contributions in ensuring that dam operators and power producers meet rigid standards regarding water flows, fish protection and other issues that impact on fish habitat and propagation.  Especially significant was his work on the relicensing of the Moses-Saunders Power Project on the St. Lawrence River, which resulted in the establishment of a major fund to improve and enhance New York’s fisheries.  In addition, Patch has made major contributions on many other relicensing efforts within the state.

Ron Urban, Council Chair, said “Fish and fishermen in every part of New York can be grateful to Steve Patch for his dedication and talent in protecting one of our most fragile natural resources.” 

Patch and his wife Megan reside in McGraw NY and have two children, Eric and Erin.