News  Roche receives Sargent Award for conservation

On November 12, 2025, Mike Roche of Orange received the Francis W. Sargent Conservation Award from the Fisheries and Wildlife Board for his contributions to the sporting community and to the conservation of the Commonwealth’s natural resources. Roche is the 16^th recipient of the prestigious award named for the former governor and noted conservationist who directed the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) in 1963–64.

Roche, a lifelong hunter and angler, accepted the award—an engraved crystal obelisk—during a ceremony at MassWildlife’s Field Headquarters in Westborough. Upon receiving the honor, Roche said, “This award is very special because of the people who have gone before me and the example their accomplishments created for everyone who cares about outdoor resources. Being able to meet and work with so many hard-working professionals and passionate volunteers, then seeing the positive results shape the future of conservation in Massachusetts has been a reward that cannot be measured.” Roche also received citations from the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives celebrating his achievement.

The ceremony brought together Fisheries and Wildlife Board members, agency staff, leaders of sporting and conservation organizations, previous Sargent Award recipients, colleagues, friends, and family. MassWildlife Director and event emcee, Mark Tisa, opened the ceremony on a personal note, saying “I’ve had the good fortune to work closely with Mike on many important conservation issues over the years. He’s always been a strong advocate for the sporting community and for ensuring access to the outdoors.”

Roche’s connection to the outdoors in Massachusetts runs deep. Appointed to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board in 1987 at age 37—the youngest member ever—he served the Commonwealth for 35 years, including lengthy terms as Secretary and Vice Chair. His passion for outdoor recreation began in childhood and led him to champion numerous programs across the state. Roche volunteered for 20 years as an instructor with MassWildlife’s Hunter Education program, contributed to Project WILD, and served on the staff of the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp, including as Director.

“Mike is a legendary educator and communicator, introducing whole generations to the outdoors in Massachusetts through science, adventure, and hunting and fishing,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea.

A professional educator, Roche taught at Mahar Regional High School in Orange from 1975 until his retirement in 2011. During a four-year leave, he served as Regional Director for Ducks Unlimited in Massachusetts. At Mahar, he taught social science, forestry, and wildlife management electives, and advised the Mahar Fish‘N Game Club—believed to be the oldest high school fish and game club in the state.

Beyond teaching, Roche is known as an accomplished outdoor writer, producing the weekly “Sportsman’s Corner” column for the Athol Daily News since 1984. He remains active in the New England Outdoor Writers’ Association and the Outdoor Writers of America.

When presenting the award, Fisheries and Wildlife Board Chair Emma Ellsworth praised Roche’s passion for teaching and love of the outdoors. “His ability to connect people to nature has had an extraordinary ripple effect—touching students, sportsmen and women, and the broader community. It’s a privilege to recognize his decades of dedication with the Sargent Award.”

In the photo (back to front): Ernie Foster, Kyla Hastie, Tom O'Shea, Sasha Dyer, Matt Sisk, Bob Durand, Joe Larson, Emma Ellsworth, Mike Roche, Mark Tisa, Wayne MacCallum