The Westfield River Watershed Association has chosen Dr. Caleb Slater, head of the Anadromous Fish Project for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, as the 2012 winner of the Richard A. Waite Award for his outstanding environmental service. The award is given annually to a person who helps preserve and improve the local environment within the Westfield River watershed.

Dr. Slater, son of Herbert and Jane Slater of Menemsha, organizes and supports annual volunteer salmon stocking efforts in the Westfield River watershed. He also partners with Watershed Association on its annual West Springfield Fish Ladder Open House, serving as an expert interpreter and guide for the more than 400 people who visit the fish ladder.

Dr. Slater has served as Anadromous Fish Project leader for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife since 1998. During that time, he has overseen the restoration of anadromous fish, such as Atlantic salmon, American shad, blueback herring and sea lamprey. He and his team also manage the annual stocking of 2.3 million Atlantic salmon fry in the tributaries of the Connecticut River.