South's Godfrey wins award

Williamsville South cross country coach and Cheektowaga resident Chuck Godfrey was presented with the New York State Conservation Council 2006 Volunteer Conservationist of the Year Award.

Godfrey was awarded the honor during the New York State Conservation Council's 73rd annual convention, held September 15-16 at the Ramada Inn, New Hartford, N.Y. NYSCC President Harold Palmer presented Godfrey the award.

"The Volunteer Conservationist Award is one of our highest awards, given to honor a person who has volunteered countless hours to safeguard our natural resources and promote their wise use and management," said Palmer. "Chuck Godfrey represents one of the best, dedicating hours, days and months to his community, to protecting our resources and to assuring that future generations will have the same opportunities to enjoy the outdoors as we do today. He is a well-respected sportsman for his continued efforts to keep all informed concerning our natural resources."

Godfrey serves as the current president of the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs and has been in that office for three years. He has been an active participant in the outreach activities of that Federation, including displays and demonstrations at outdoor shows, the Erie County Fair, special events and various youth activities.

For three years he as served as president of the Western New York Chapter Trout Unlimited, and for seven years, volunteered as that organization's stream rehabilitation chairman, donating countless volunteer hours on stream rehabilitation projects.

Godfrey maintains various seats on other natural resources committees and task forces including service as a member of the Executive Committee Remedial Action Plan Buffalo for the Buffalo River; active participation on the Beneficial User Committee for the Buffalo River; volunteering hours working on the Erie County Fish Advisory Board; working with the Niagara River Greenway, as well as remaining an active member of the Cattaraugus Stream Team.

A retired educator, Godfrey has always supported the premise of the importance of providing a strong foundation for future generations. His educational endeavors outside the traditional classroom include promoting skills to young people and the general public concerning inter-relationship with natural resources. Through active participation and providing demonstrations at various outdoor shows in Western New York, at kids' fishing and small game seminars, as well providing numerous hands-on activities such as fly tying, he feels most at home when he can pass along his "feelings" about the natural world.

Stocking fish, working on Walleye Restoration plans, encouraging

sound habitat practices, and assuring that resources are managed properly for future generations all are important to him.

Joining Chuck for the award was his wife Debbie.