At the annual meeting of the National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) System and NERR Association, Wells Reserve manager Paul Dest accepted the role of NERRA president for 2006-2007.

In welcoming Paul, outgoing NERRA president Chuck Nieder highlighted his background:

Paul is someone who understands the friends organizations, someone who understands the relationships, and someone with strong knowledge of land acquisition.

Paul will spend additional time "opening doors" in Washington, DC over the next two years.

NERRA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote and advance the NERR System. It is directed by the vision and expertise of the NERR managers, with input from a governing board composed of representatives from NERR research, education, and stewardship committees.