Morley Nelson Award Background

Morley Nelson was a pioneer in falconry and bird/power line research.  He also created numerous Disney films that helped people appreciate and learn about raptors.  His studies using his falconry eagles provided the foundation of much of our knowledge on raptor behavior towards power lines.  Using mock power poles, Morley tested structure designs, identified conductor separations needed to safely accommodate perching eagles and other birds, and proposed modifications to existing poles to prevent bird electrocutions.  This information is still used today.

In honor of Morley Nelson’s contributions to resolving bird/power line issues, APLIC developed the Morley Nelson Award to acknowledge those that have a like dedication towards identifying solutions to bird/power line problems.  Morley Nelson Award recipients demonstrate the following:

• Dedication and stewardship towards natural resource management as it impacts the electric utility industry
• Willingness to work openly with others to solve problems or facilitate a resolution to critical issues facing the electric utility industry
• Using creative solutions to integrate the cooperation and work of others into solving complex natural resource problems faced by the electric utility industry
• Integrity towards producing visible results regarding issues in natural resource management in the electric utility industry

Morley Nelson Award Recipients

Alan Ansel

• Alan (Idaho Power Company, retired) was the first recipient of the APLIC Morley Nelson Award in 2006.  Alan coordinated early electrocution research by constructing mock power poles (through Idaho Power Company) and contracting with Morley Nelson to test eagle perching behavior on these structures and evaluate potential sources of electrocution risk.  Alan was an author of the 1996 edition of APLIC's Suggested Practices document.  Alan was acknowledged for his efforts as a pioneer in addressing avian/power line issues, both with APLIC and Idaho Power Company. 

Dick Thorsell

• Dick (Edison Electric Institute, retired) was one of the founders of APLIC.  A long time friend of Morley Nelson, Dick worked with Morley to develop films for EEI.  Dick was instrumental in fostering political and industry support of avian/power line research and solutions and was an author of the first APLIC Suggested Practices document.  Dick received an APLIC Morley Nelson Award in 2009 in acknowledgement of his efforts as a pioneer in avian/power line conservation and dedication to developing and maintaining positive partnerships among all key players in the avian/power line issue.  Dick has had a life-long committment to birds.

Bob Turner

•  Bob (National Audubon Society) was one of the founders of APLIC.  Bob worked with Morley Nelson and Dick Thorsell on early electrocution research and workshops.  Bob played a key role in bring aspects of avian biology into electrocution prevention methods.  Bob received an APLIC Morley Nelson Award in 2009 in acknowledgement of his role as a pioneer in avian/power line conservation, dedication to avian resources, and collaborative approach to addressing challenging issues.

Dan Pearson

• Dan (Southern California Edison, retired) was a previous APLIC Chair and was integral to the development of the national Avian Protection Plan Guidelines.  Dave has been active in APLIC since the organization's start.  He developed the avian program for Southern California Edison and worked towards protecting endangered species in southern California.  He received an APLIC Morley Nelson Award in 2009 in acknowledgment of his dedication and leadership in developing creative and effective solutions to complex issues.

Jim Burruss

• Jim has dedicated most of his career to furthering our understanding of bird/power line impacts and educating both utilities and agencies of bird/power line issues, and received an APLIC Morley Nelson Award in 2010.  Jim has been an active participant in APLIC for many years, and has served as APLIC Chair.  He was instrumental in the creation of national Avian Protection Plan Guidelines, and worked diligently with others in APLIC and USFWS to publish the Guidelines.  Jim has played a vital role in the development and improvement of PacifiCorp's Bird Management Program.  He continues to work to encourage sound science and develop partnerships to address concerns regarding sage-grouse and power lines.

Bill Bolin

Bill Bolin was a key individual in the establishment of APLIC.  His company was one of the original APLIC member companies.  Bill provided exemplary leadership during his tenure as APLIC Chairman in the 1990s.  APLIC’s best management practices for reducing avian mortalities due to electrocutions and collisions were developed under Bill.  He developed effective partnerships with researchers, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Bill’s conservation efforts on behalf of Dominion Virginia Power were highlighted throughout the company’s service territory.  Bill received the Morley Nelson Award in 2013.

Dave Bouchard

• David Bouchard was the APLIC representative for American Electric Power for many years, and took a lead role within APLIC. Dave was instrumental in editing the Suggested Practices document (2006) and collision manual (2012). Through these projects, he dedicated countless hours reviewing, compiling, and editing the documents.  Dave has also provided leadership roles as APLIC Chair and Vice Chair, and served as an APLIC instructor at short courses, sharing his expertise with others.  Dave demonstrates a strong dedication, passion, and concern for wildlife.  He received the Morley Nelson Award in 2013.

Rick Loughery

Rick Loughery (Edison Electric Institute) is synonymous with APLIC.  Rick has been involved with APLIC since its inception and has helmed the organization since 2000, overseeing a three-fold increase in membership.  He serves as the organization’s lead for federal and regulatory advocacy, publications and the APLIC short course.  During his tenure, he oversaw the substantial revision and expansion of Avian Collisions with Powerlines in 2012 and partnered with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to develop avian protection workshops for state agencies.  Based in Washington D.C., Rick continues to build and facilitate constructive relationships between APLIC, the various land management agencies and eNGOs.  Well versed in policy development and with ample technical expertise, he works diligently to promote avian protection and has been instrumental in cementing APLIC as the model for industry-government collaboration.   Rick received the Morley Nelson Award in 2014.

Jim Lindsay

Al Manville

Al Manville served as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) liaison with APLIC for 15 years.  Al facilitated cooperative efforts between FWS and APLIC to develop the Avian Protection Plan (APP) Guidelines and review updates of the “Reducing Avian Collisions with Power Lines” and “Suggested Practices for Avian Protection on Power Lines” manuals.  Overall, Al demonstrated a long-term commitment to natural resources, while furthering the understanding of complex issues facing the electric utility industry and federal wildlife agencies and success in developing innovative solutions.  Al received the Morley Nelson Award in 2016.

Sherry & Jerry Liguori (2017)

Sam Milodragovich (2017)

Photo Gallery

A Tribute to Dick Thorsell

April 11, 1927 – April 15, 2012