Chris Van Hollen: “today I wish to recognize Jim Kurth for his 41 years of public service and congratulate him on his recent retirement. On…”

“today I wish to recognize Jim Kurth for his 41 years of public service and congratulate him on his recent retirement. On May 7, 1978, Mr. James Kurth was hired by the U.S. Forest Service as a biological technician having recently graduated with a degree in wildlife management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. On Friday, May 31, Jim retired from public service, after a 41-year career, working mainly with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He ended his career after serving more than 4 years as the agency's deputy director for operations. Jim's story is an inspiring example of dedication to the vital mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He grew up in Columbus, OH. He married his high school sweetheart. He picked a career in public service, quickly finding his way to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and moving his family across the country as he accepted positions at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana, Seney National Wildlife Refuge in Michigan, and Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island. From there, he jumped to Alaska where he became manager of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Nation's largest protected land area at nearly 20 million acres.…”