THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 2, 1994 TAG: 9409020635
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DEBBIE MESSINA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
Anthony D. Leger is leaving his post as manager of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to become chief of realty for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's northeast region.
During Leger's eight years at Back Bay, he has been a strong voice in the community not only for the refuge, but also for many environmental concerns in the region.
``Tony really woke up this Hampton Roads environmental community,'' said Molly Brown, president of Friends of Back Bay. ``I think he gave us strength because we knew he would be behind us.''
Leger will begin work at the Fish and Wildlife Service's regional office in Hadley, Mass., on Sept. 18. The service's northeast region runs from Maine to Virginia.
In his new position, Leger will oversee work he began at Back Bay to more than double the size of the refuge, whose wetlands are a haven for wintering waterfowl.
``I can keep those promises I made,'' Leger said.
Ronald E. Lambertson, regional director of the northeast region said, ``Tony's strong management skills and excellent record in Service work led us to choose him for this position. This is an excellent promotion for Tony, and we're glad to have him joining us.''
People seem to either love or hate Leger because of his strong opinions and the changes he's made at the refuge, located in the southeast corner of Virginia Beach.
Since his arrival in 1986, Leger has closed refuge beaches to swimmers, surfers and sunbathers; developed an expansion plan and purchased about half of the 6,000 acres slated; oversaw major dike and impoundment renovations; and has developed plans for a second outdoor classroom facility.
Leger said career advancement and family considerations played into his decision to move.
``I have enjoyed my tenure at Back Bay Refuge and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that the chief of realty position presents,'' he said. ``This is an exciting time for resource protection in the Northeast Region, and I am confident that we can establish many productive partnerships for conservation in the future.''
Leger, his wife and their two children will make their home in Sunderland, Mass.
Joe McCauley, deputy manager, will act as manager until a successor is named. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Anthony D. Leger has been named a chief of realty for the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service.
by CNB