Bison Roaming Award honors leadership during wildfires

The unified command group that directed North Dakota’s response to the October 2024 wildfires has been honored with the Bison Roaming Award, one of the Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service. The leadership team, which included State Forester Tom Claeys, was recognized for guiding the state through one of the most destructive fire outbreaks in recent history.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden presented the award earlier this month, honoring public employees and teams whose work extends far beyond their office walls to benefit communities across the state.

The October 2024 wildfires burned nearly 110,000 acres across western North Dakota, with Williams and McKenzie counties hardest hit. Fierce winds, gusting up to 78 mph, combined with extremely dry fuels and low humidity to ignite and spread multiple large fires. Evacuations were ordered in rural communities and Williams County declared a state of emergency as crews from state, tribal, federal and local agencies battled the blazes.

Claeys, who has served as state forester since 2018, was a central member of the unified command. He oversees programs that support forest health, wildfire preparedness and community resilience. A native of Syracuse, New York, Claeys began his career as a forestry technician with the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service in Wyoming and Colorado before joining North Dakota’s forestry efforts.

“This a tremendous honor and testament to local first responders who always answer the call first and then to the amazing partnerships across state agencies that focus on supporting locals in times of need,” Claeys said. “Our collective staff work tirelessly and selflessly to make North Dakota a better, safer place.”

The North Dakota Forest Service, a state agency under North Dakota State University, has been part of higher education since 1907. The agency’s mission is to care for, protect and improve forest and natural resources to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.

The Forest Service manages the State Forests and administers forestry programs statewide. Technical assistance relating to the management of private forest lands, urban and community forests, state forest lands, tree planting and wildland fire protection is provided by the agency. The State Forester reports to NDSU President David Cook.

The Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service are presented annually to individuals and teams who exemplify innovation, leadership and service. The unified command’s recognition underscores the critical role of collaboration in protecting North Dakota’s communities and landscapes from wildfire.

For more on the awards and a complete list of winners, visit the Governor’s official website.