Michael Lusk - Refuge Manager - Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Michael Lusk, an 18-year veteran of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the new project leader of Okefenokee and Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuges. He begins his new duties on September 22, 2013.

“Michael has worked for the National Wildlife Refuge System during most of his Service career,” said David Viker, Chief of the Services Southeast National Wildlife Refuge System. “He has successfully dealt with many controversial projects throughout the country, including managing manatees at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Florida and border issues at Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona. His varied experiences prepared him for the challenge of managing the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Complex, our largest in the eastern United States.”

In his previous position, Lusk managed the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex in central Florida. As manager, he facilitated the purchase of Three Sisters Springs, part of the Kings Bay manatee sanctuary, and coordinated with local businesses and organizations to create a management plan. Lusk and his staff also educated visitors about the proper way to interact with manatees in Kings Bay through a Manatee Manners video and kiosks at each entrance to Kings Bay. In cooperation with the Tampa Bay Refuge Friends Group, Lusk also led an ongoing Save the Egmont Key initiative supported by more than 20 local groups. Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is a small, barrier island, situated at the entrance to Tampa Bay, which is threatened by erosion.