SOCIAL CIRCLE, GA - Dedication to natural resources, both on and off the job, led to the recent selection of Kevin Lowrey as the Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) "Wildlife Manager of the Year" award.

"Kevin Lowrey goes above and beyond the aspects of his job and always gives 200 percent when it comes to teaching others about the outdoors," says Wes Dorsey of the NWTF. "He always shows exceptional enthusiasm, works diligently to improve wildlife habitat and is dedicated to raising public awareness about conservation and wildlife management issues."

Kevin Lowrey, a wildlife biologist and state turkey biologist for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division, is assigned to northeast Georgia but his work with turkeys often takes him statewide. Additionally, Lowrey oversees biological aspects of six wildlife management areas totaling 80,000 acres, serves on the Georgia NWTF Technical Committee and heads up the Georgia DNR Wild Turkey Committee.

Lowrey focuses on turkeys for much of his job, but that passion started while doing graduate research in college and now also is part of his personal life. He and his wife have been grassroots volunteers with the NWTF for years. Volunteer work has included initiating and supporting a local NWTF Women in the Outdoors event, helping with annual youth workshops, and other special events.

For more information about NWTF, visit www.nwtf.org . For more information on turkey hunting in Georgia, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting/regulations .