Mississippi Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Awards

Call for Nominations

The Mississippi Wildlife Federation will host the Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet to recognize and honor those whose achievements in natural resource conservation deserve statewide recognition. MWF's Conservation Achievement Awards are among the most prestigious for conservation efforts. They are presented annually on behalf of MWF's members and supporters and it's statewide network of affiliated organizations. Each award winner receives a handsome wildlife statuette designed especially for the Mississippi Wildlife Federation. The Conservationist of the Year will receive the Eagle Award and be recognized for a lifetime of contributions to conservation.

We strongly urge you to nominate a deserving person or organization in one of the categories below.

The award categories include:

Conservationist of the Year - For a lifetime commitment to conservation in Mississippi. It is given for the most outstanding effort and achievement in any field of natural resource management or for the most significant contribution to the cause of conservation. Nominees from all other categories may be considered for this award.

Additional criteria:

A conservationist, professional or volunteer, whose contribution to an environmental field has been sustained over a period of several years
A person whose contribution to conservation is of such significance as to be known statewide, or nationally
A conservationist whose contributions are not necessarily related to a single issue or effort, but who has, over a period of time become known as a person whose activities and influence bring about positive changes in matters affecting the environment
A conservationist who, by this recognition, would serve to create a broader interest in conservation and by example, encourage others to outstanding accomplishments on behalf of our state's natural resources

Sponsored by: Balch & Bingham, LLP

Wildlife Conservationist of the Year - For outstanding contributions to the management, enhancement and restoration of wildlife resources in Mississippi.
Sponsored by: Barber and Mann, Inc.

Fisheries Conservationist of the Year - For outstanding contributions to the management, enhancement and restoration of fisheries resources in Mississippi.
Sponsored by: Chevron

Soil, Air and Water Conservationist of the Year - For outstanding efforts toward improvement of air quality, water quality or soil conservation in the state.
Sponsored by: Southern AgCredit

Forest Conservationist of the Year - For demonstrating outstanding leadership in the management of our state's forest resources. Fish and wildlife management and best management practices must be a major component.
Sponsored by: Sunbelt Sealing, Inc.

Youth Conservationist of the Year - For a young Mississippian who demonstrated a personal commitment to conserving the state's resources and protecting the environment. The nominee must be under the age of 21 at the time of nomination. Youth groups qualify.
Sponsored by: Sunbelt Sealing, Inc.

Conservation Educator of the Year - For the most outstanding effort in conservation education. The recipient may be a professional or volunteer.
Sponsored by: South Mississippi Electric Power Assocation

Conservation Communicator of the Year - For the most outstanding effort by a journalist, newspaper, magazine, newsletter, radio or television station, web site or other communication medium to create public awareness about the importance of natural resources.

Conservation Officer of the Year - For outstanding service by a state or federal wildlife enforcement officer.
Sponsored by: Wildlife Technical Services, Inc.

Hunter Education Volunteer Instructor of the Year - For outstanding efforts by a volunteer instructor of the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to promote and teach hunter safety education in Mississippi.
Sponsored by: Anderson Tully Company

Elected Official of the Year - For outstanding leadership and accomplishments by a state or federal elected official from Mississippi which has resulted in significant contributions to the stewardship of our natural resources

Corporate Conservationist of the Year - For significant efforts by a Mississippi business or corporation toward environmental restoration, conservation education, wildlife and fisheries management or other natural resource programs. Efforts must be voluntary, involve employees and go above and beyond compliance with mandatory programs.

Mississippi Wildlife Federation Affiliate of the Year - For outstanding achievement by an affiliate organization of the Mississippi Wildlife Federation. The affiliate must be in good standing, and should have made a notable contribution to the conservation protection or restoration of our state's natural resources.
Sponsored by: Mississippi Power Company

To nominate someone:
You may use the on-line nomination form to submit electronically, or print and send by mail to: Mississippi Wildlife Federation, 517 Cobblestone Court, Suite 2, Madison, MS 39110 - Fax (601) 605-1794. For further information call (601) 605-1790. Support documentation may be mailed to the address above or sent via e-mail to cshropshire@mswf.org. The entry deadline is November 30, 2012.