Randolph native given forest service award

 The N.C. Wildlife Resources Com­mission (NCWRC) has awarded the late Walter Cross of Asheboro this year’s Lawrence G. Diedrick Small Game Award. The award recognizes meaningful contributions that benefit small game in North Carolina.

Cross, a Randolph County native, was the longest-serving active member of the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) before he passed away on May 27, 2025 at age 57.

“Since 1915, the NCFS has protected, managed and promoted the forest resourc­es for the citizens of North Carolina, and continues to do so through leadership, integrity, professionalism, service and unity. Cross upheld all of that and more for 37 years,” N.C. Forest Service Public Information Officer Philip Jackson said.

NCWRC Wildlife Management Di­vision Chief Brad Howard presented the Cross family with the award in October.

“Walter was a consummate profession­al who dedicated his life to the conser­vation of our natural resources and the private landowners who manage them,” Howard said. 

“Through his career, he developed a skill set that was used to improve and protect the natural resources he cared so deeply for, especially when it came to the management of early successional and other critical wildlife habitats. 

“His ability to safely, efficiently and effectively carry out highly technical prescribed burns has not only greatly im­proved habitat on the acres he managed, but it influenced countless landowners who saw his handiwork and wanted the same for their property.”

The Diedrick Award is presented annu­ally by NCWRC. Recipients of the award are given a plaque and the traditional gift of a new drip torch, recognizing their ef­forts to significantly and positively impact North Carolina’s small game populations through habitat management, education and research.

Nominations for the 2026 award will be accepted from March 1 through May 1, 2026. 

Information on nominating candidates may be found on the agency’s website, and posted on its social media channels and conservation e-newsletter.