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September 26, 2007

Biodiversity Conservation Alliance Honors Oxley and Wechsler with Award

LARAMIE - Biodiversity Conservation Alliance recently honored the late J. Michael Oxley of Laramie, Wyoming. Oxley passed away suddenly in his sleep of a brain aneurysm on August 25, 2007. The Alliance named an award for an individual who has made significant contributions to their work conserving the natural treasures of Wyoming through personal service as the "J. Michael Oxley Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award."

“BCA has long been blessed by the vision, talent, and resourcefulness of Mike Oxley, not to mention his enthusiasm and good humor. From designing public outreach campaigns to innovative marketing ideas, Mike's contributions are a testament that caring individuals can really make a difference," said Duane Short, spokesperson for BCA.

Biodiversity Conservation Alliance is dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild places in Wyoming and surrounding states, particularly on public lands. "The staff and board of BCA felt no one more than Mike Oxley epitomized the values and accomplishments that we hope to recognize with this award," reported Short. "An avid outdoorsman, Mike Oxley inspired us with his commitment to 'living green,' both personally by reducing his own impact on the planet, and by acting in the larger world for positive change. Mike is deeply, deeply missed."

This year at BCA's Annual Member Meeting and Celebration, BCA honored University of Wyoming student Alyssa Wechsler with the J. Michael Oxley Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award. "Co-founder of Students for Sustainability, a registered student organization on campus, and an active founding member of UW Acres, the new student farm, Alyssa is a brilliant student who finds the time to show up in our office and work miracles," stated Short. "She has been a stalwart volunteer over the years and has risen to become our Volunteer Coordinator and the youngest member of our Board of Directors. We're excited to give the Oxley Award to such a dedicated member of the next generation."

"Over the years my work at BCA has greatly developed my connection with the Wyoming community, and it is a privilege to work with the staff. I'm truly honored," remarked Wechsler, on receiving the award.