WWF Conservation Achievement Awards

Every year, the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation recognizes outstanding contributions to conservation in Wisconsin through its Conservation Achievement Awards. You can use the online form to submit a nomination before the February 29, 2024 deadline (noon CST). Honorees and their guests are recognized at the Awards Banquet in early April where WWF Directors and Members gather for the WWF Annual Meeting.

 

Award Criteria

Conservationist of the Year

For outstanding overall conservation efforts and achievements in any field of natural resources, for a significant contribution to the cause of conservation, or for meaningful progress or achievement toward a solution of a major conservation problem in Wisconsin during the past year. Nominees from all other categories can be considered for this award.

 

Conservation Organization of the Year

For outstanding contributions to the conservation of natural resources by an organization in Wisconsin for an extended period of time. Statewide or local organizations including sporting clubs or civic organizations are eligible. The nominee should have demonstrated keen interest in projects and programs within the state which deal with significant natural resources issues.

 

Conservation Legislator of the Year

For outstanding legislative accomplishments during their career which have made a significant contribution to the management and/or restoration of wildlife resources in Wisconsin.

 

Wildlife Conservationist of the Year

For outstanding efforts and accomplishments in making a significant contribution to the management and/or restoration of wildlife resources in Wisconsin.

 

Fisheries Conservationist of the Year

For outstanding efforts and accomplishments in making a significant contribution to the management and/or restoration of fisheries resources in Wisconsin.

 

Hunter Safety Educator of the Year

For outstanding hunter education and safety training efforts by an individual volunteer or organization for an extended period of time, or such efforts resulting in development of an innovative and successful method of educating novice hunters in hunter safety.

 

Conservation Educator of the Year

For outstanding efforts in conservation and environmental education. The recipient may be an individual or organization that has demonstrated successful education techniques and accomplishments relating to the use and/or conservation of natural resources.

 

Conservation Communicator of the Year

For outstanding conservation efforts in Wisconsin by a person, group, newspaper, magazine, radio or television station or network, or social media entity. The recipient will have achieved a high degree of public awareness of the importance of natural resources conservation.

 

Forest Conservationist of the Year

For outstanding effort in forest conservation and management. Eligible areas of effort include tree planting, timber stand improvement, and other management practices, with emphasis on the development of multiple uses on forest lands. The recipient may be a private or public landowner, an individual, business, or someone involved in the administration of forestry programs.

 

Land Conservationist 

For outstanding contributions to the conservation of our land. Recipient could be a landowner, administrator, technician, or organization involved with such things as soil conservation measures, wetlands, and protection of surface or groundwater quality and quantity standards.

 

Water Conservationist of the Year 

For outstanding contributions to the conservation of our water. Recipient could be a landowner, administrator, technician, or organization involved with such things as watershed management, estuarine conservation, wild rivers protection, wetlands, and protection of surface or groundwater quality and quantity standards.

 

Youth Conservationist of the Year

For outstanding conservation efforts of a person did not attain the age of 19 during the past year. Youth groups are also eligible. The winner should have demonstrated ability, leadership, and accomplishments in any phase of conservation, either individually or as a group.

 

Conservation Warden of the Year

Every year, the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation asks the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Management Team to nominate for this honor a Conservation Warden whose outstanding performance during the past year has demonstrated exemplary service, ethics, and service that protects or otherwise benefits natural resources and law-abiding outdoor re-creationists in Wisconsin.