In my view, the 1970s and 1980s was an exceptional period for the Western Section of The Wildlife Society. During these 2 decades, ?wildlifers? gained new and special status, our numbers rapidly increased, and we matured and diversified as a profession. In response, the Western Section expanded on the traditional focus on game management to include a much broader set of wildlife considerations. Between 1970 and 1990, our membership grew from 145 paid members to over 300. And many important programs were developed in the WS and TWS that are still place today. We broke ranks with the American Fisheries Society in 1985 and, fueled by funds from our annual meetings and educational workshops, the Western Section became a fully functioning business by 1990. Our net worth grew from less than $1,000 in 1970 to over $40,000 in 1989 and well over $100K in the 1990s. So I believe the Executive Board provided a significant legacy for the Western section between 1970 and 1990. And we should be proud of the accomplishments they made on our behalf.
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