APPENDIX II 339
The primary responsibility for developing the CWCS was given to the Mississippi Museum of Natural
Science (MMNS) which functions as MDWFP’s non-game wildlife program and includes the Natural
Heritage Program (NHP). Over the past two years the MDWFP Conservation Resources Director,
Charles Knight, managed all aspects of the CWCS development in concert with a contract CWCS
Coordinator, Elizabeth Rooks-Barber. Early in the process, three committees (Technical, Steering and
Advisory Committees) and a team of wildlife experts (Expert Team) were established to guide this effort
and develop the first version of this CWCS for the state of Mississippi. The following is a list of the
committee members.
The Technical Committee was composed of MDWFP wildlife, fisheries and museum biologists. They
gathered and analyzed information needed to identify Mississippi's species and habitats of greatest
conservation need, threats/limiting factors and potential conservation actions. They met every three to
four weeks over a period of two years, and significant correspondence and work occurred between
meetings.
Chris Alonzo*
Elizabeth Barber
Bubba Hubbard
Bill Johnson*
Charles Knight
Tom Mann
Scott Peyton*No longer on MDWFP staff but participated in part of the CWCS development process.
The Technical Committee coordinated their efforts with an Expert Team composed of 47 biologists in
the state and region with expertise on the SGCN who provided additional input on species, habitats,
threats and conservation actions via an extensive survey. These experts also gave feedback individually
to members of the Technical Committee on an as needed basis, and many members of this Team served
on the Advisory Committee. Individuals who served as the Expert Team were:
APPENDIX II:
COMMITTEES, EXPERT TEAM AND AGENCIES
INVOLVED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CWCS
Alison Sherman
Kathy Shelton
Heather Sullivan
Randy Spencer
Jenny Thompson*
Nick Winstead