Meet MFWP’s New Bighorn Fisheries Biologist

Shannon Blackburn will be taking over duties for MFWP biologist Mike Ruggles, who has been promoted to Region 5 fisheries manager.

Shannon Blackburn, MFWP Region 5 Fisheries Biologist

The BHRA is excited to introduce Shannon Blackburn as the areas new Bighorn River fisheries biologist. Shannon received her B.S. in Environmental Science from Western Washington University and spent the next eight years working as a fisheries technician all over the western United States for various state (e.g., Idaho Fish and Game) and federal (i.e., USGS, Yosemite and Grand Canyon National Parks) entities. From these positions, she became passionate about inland fisheries management and science. In 2018, Shannon received her master’s degree in Natural Resources with an emphasis in fisheries science from the University of Idaho researching sampling techniques, population dynamics and management strategies for White Sturgeon in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River basin. Prior to joining Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, she was employed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington state as a research fisheries biologist evaluating fish passage and survival through hydroelectric projects. She is excited to spend time in south-central Montana and work with the diverse fish communities and ecosystems in the region. In her spare time, Shannon enjoys fishing, kayaking, rock-climbing, and crocheting. Blackburn will be taking over duties for MFWP biologist Mike Ruggles, who has been promoted to Region 5 fisheries manager.