A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR CHARLES RUTH FOR HIS THIRTY-ONE YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP IN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION, SCIENCE-BASED MANAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC SERVICE.

 

Whereas, Charles Ruth devoted thirty-one years of distinguished service to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, retiring after a career defined by integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the conservation and stewardship of the state's natural resources; and

 

Whereas, throughout his career, Charles Ruth served in progressively more responsible positions, culminating in his role as big game coordinator, in which he provided statewide leadership for the management of South Carolina's deer, wild turkey, and black bear populations; and

 

Whereas, Charles Ruth played a significant role in providing technical expertise, drafting support, and testimony on more than one hundred pieces of legislation that became law, addressing complex issues involving wildlife conservation, public safety, private property rights, hunting traditions, and wildlife disease management; and

 

Whereas, he demonstrated a strong commitment to public engagement and transparency by conducting numerous public meetings and stakeholder forums across the State to ensure that wildlife policies were informed by sound science, public input, and responsible management principles; and

 

Whereas, Charles Ruth was instrumental in the development and implementation of cooperative research initiatives with leading universities and federal partners, directing millions of dollars toward research projects focused on wildlife ecology, population dynamics, predator-prey relationships, and disease prevention, thereby positioning South Carolina as a national leader in science-based wildlife management; and

 

Whereas, his service extended beyond policy and research to include extensive public education and outreach, participation in hundreds of public presentations and media interviews, maintenance of a law enforcement commission for more than two decades, and service as a qualified expert witness in state and federal courts; and

 

Whereas, prior to, and upon, his retirement, Charles Ruth was the only state agency wildlife biologist in the Eastern United States coordinating a comprehensive big game program that included deer, wild turkey, and black bear, reflecting the extraordinary scope of his responsibility and professional stature; and

 

Whereas, Charles Ruth's career has left a lasting legacy of strengthened conservation practices, protected outdoor traditions, and responsible stewardship of South Carolina's wildlife resources for current and future generations. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Charles Ruth for his thirty-one years of exemplary service to the State of South Carolina and commend him for his outstanding leadership in wildlife conservation, science-based management, and public service.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Charles Ruth.

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