Southern Ute Wildlife Resource Management Division Head, Aran Johnson received the Southwest Region Biologist of the Year award for 2024 by the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society. This award is presented annually to a Tribal fish or wildlife biologist who has excelled and enhanced their Tribal management and/or developed specific management goals. The Southwest Regional Board of Directors gathered other Tribal biologists behind the scenes at this year’s conference to make the nomination and present the award during their annual meeting in August. 

“It’s a humbling to be recognized by your peers and I’m honored to receive this award from the NAFWS,” Wildlife Resource Management Division Head, Aran Johnson said. “There are so many talented fish and wildlife biologists and accomplished wildlife programs in Indian Country in the Southwest, and to be recognized reflects very well on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Department Natural Resources and its Wildlife programs and staff.” 

The Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS) is a national Tribal organization incorporated in 1983 to develop a national communications network to exchange information and management techniques related to self-determined Tribal fish and wildlife management.  

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has been a Society member Tribe for decades, and Southern Ute Wildlife staff regularly attend Society trainings, and webinars and participate in both Southwest Regional and National conferences to exchange ideas with Tribal wildlife peers all over the country. This year’s Southwest Regional conference was hosted by the Tachi Yokuts Tribe in Lemoore, Calif.   

With over two decades of experience working for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, first as a Wildlife Biologist and now as Division Head, Johnson has played a pivotal role in protecting and preserving the Tribe’s natural resources. 

“Aran has proven to be a fantastic supervisor and colleague,” Division of Wildlife Administrative Assistant, Nicole Black said. “He really cares about the Southern Ute Tribe’s membership and continues to work very hard to protect the Tribes Wildlife Resource Management endeavors.”  

“The one thing that stands out in my mind is the recent Wildlife Crossing Project on Hwy 160 near Lake Capote,” Department of Natural Resources Director, Andrew Frost said. “This was completed in 2022. CDOT worked with Aran Johnson, Wildlife Division Head, alongside other entities to complete the Wildlife overpass/underpass project. That collaboration with DNR is one good example of cooperation over a period of years to complete this necessary safety feature along Hwy 160. Aran is a big reason the project was able to be completed using years of migration data. He is deserving of this major award gifted to him from the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, of which the Tribe is a member.” 

The NAFWS award is a testament to Johnson’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to advancing the goals of wildlife conservation. His work has had a significant impact on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the broader community, and his contributions are greatly appreciated. 

“This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire team at the Division of Wildlife,” Johnson said. “I am proud to be a part of an organization that is committed to preserving the Tribe’s cultural heritage and natural resources.”