The irreplaceable Jirak update

On Oct. 30, we received an e-mail from Tom Glick, who is a retired Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism fisheries biologist and former colleague  of Leonard Jirak.

Glick  and several other fisheries biologists want to honor Leonard Jirak's genius and mastery as a fisheries biologist by renaming Woodson State Fishing Lake the Jirak State Fishing Lake.

According to scores of biologists, anglers and knowledgeable observers, Jirak is one the nation's preeminent fisheries biologist.  And because Woodson was the first lake that he transformed into a stellar waterway, it's fitting that it should be renamed in his honor.

Enclosed below is the petition that Glick wrote and is distributing:

PETITION TO RENAME WOODSON STATE FISHING LAKE

There are not words to describe the innovation, initiative, and hard work Leonard Jirak has displayed throughout his career.  A Kansas fisheries biologist will not soon again have the Impact of Lenard Jirak on the state of Kansas.  Leonard has been the most aggressive aquatic manager and developer this state has ever known.  The live wells and stringers of the many satisfied sportsmen fishing Jirak waters are a testament to his superiority and constant pursuit of perfection.  Progressive thoughts from fish feeding to restricted harvest, special regulations to stocking strategies, with his foresight and thousands of hours spent in fish production; Mr. Jirak stands head and shoulders above us all.  As a pioneer in fisheries management, Leonard's programs are at times controversial, however his accomplishments are objective and measurable, their impact on the resource is astonishing, and the quality of the experience from these waters have more than proven the significance of his individual ideas, theories, and contribution to the resources of Kansas.  Even the waters beyond his control have been greatly enhanced by the continuous challenge to "keep up with Leonard."

Mr. Jirak retired from KDWPT on September 16, 2011, after 38 years as a District Fisheries Biologist.  Due to Leonard Jirak's impact to the fishery of Kansas, and his dedication, accomplishments, and initiative; to honor him, the undersigned are seeking to change the name of Woodson State Fishing Lake to Jirak State Fishing Lake.

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