Awards

Call for Nominations!

The National Wildlife Refuge System Awards, sponsored by the National Wildlife Refuge Association and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, honor outstanding accomplishments by Refuge Managers, Refuge System Employees, Volunteers and Friends Groups. Recognizing the excellence of these individuals and groups not only highlights the dedication and devotion of those who support the Refuge System, but also raises awareness about the diversity of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the challenges it faces, and the innovative efforts across the country to meet those challenges.

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is now accepting nominations
for the 2009 National Wildlife Refuge System Awards.

The Paul Kroegel Award
This award recognizes outstanding accomplishment by a refuge manager (project leader) in the protection and management of our national wildlife refuges. The award is given in honor of Paul Kroegel, the first manager of the first refuge established in 1903 at Pelican Island, Florida. His dedication and effectiveness set a high standard for those who have followed. The award will be presented to a current refuge manager whose career has shown:

Commitment to the conservation of our natural resources over a sustained period of time with special emphasis on current or recent accomplishments.
Superior management skills demonstrated in all aspects of refuge management including management of staff, coordination and good working relationships with other resource agencies and NGOs, and skill in the art of habitat management.
Innovative actions and responses to complex issues dealing with refuge habitats, community relations, outreach, scientific research, and coordination with other groups.
Effectiveness in dealing with outside organizations and the public through outreach to include the public in planning, serving as volunteers, and building trust and support of the refuge system through public participation.
A background in refuge management that reflects the mission of the NWRS and wildlife conservation and that has been recognized by others.

The Employee of the Year
This award recognizes outstanding work of the men and women employed by the NWRS. This award will be presented to a current refuge employee (other than a project leader) whose career has shown:

Commitment to the conservation of our natural resources and refuge management that demonstrates innovation, personal dedication, and effective use of job talents.
Superior management and/or technical skills that have improved refuge management through positive wildlife response, cost savings, increased efficiency or increased public participation.
Effectiveness in dealing with outside organizations and the public to promote a cooperative relationship between the community and the refuge.
A background that has demonstrated personal dedication to the cause of wildlife conservation, refuge management, and the mission of the Refuge System.

The Volunteer of the Year
This award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of volunteers in support of the operation and management of the NWRS. The award will be presented to a volunteer or volunteers who have demonstrated:

Dedication to the goals and objectives of the Refuge System as demonstrated by continued service and accomplishments.
Superior skills in organization that support resource protection and management, such as training and mentoring other volunteers, and experience assisting the refuge staff in accomplishing a variety of tasks.
Innovation in handling refuge assignments that include the use of new ideas/approaches and problem solving.
Effectiveness in dealing with the public, other volunteers, and other refuge users as demonstrated by specific accomplishments.
Dependability as demonstrated by years of service, support of refuge programs, integrity, and recognition by others for refuge volunteer service.

The Friends Group of the Year
This award recognizes the outstanding contributions by the groups of dedicated volunteers in Friends organizations who provide essential services to the Refuge System. This award will be presented to a friends group that demonstrates innovation and excellence in:

Advancing the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Providing a supportive influence in the development of a positive relationship between the refuge and the local community.
Working as an independent advocate to protect natural resources.
Cooperating with other Friends organizations locally, regionally, or nationally, and participating when possible in collaborative programs with these groups as well as with the National Wildlife Refuge Association.
Maintaining a relationship of cooperation and mutual respect with US Fish and Wildlife Service personnel.
Adhering to high ethical standards of behavior applicable to private nonprofit charitable organizations and adhering to all reporting requirements and other regulations required by state and federal law.

Nominations are due no later than November 15, 2008.

Award recipients will receive a commemorative plaque and a monetary award ($1,000 for Refuge Manager, Employee and Volunteer awards, $2,000 for Friends Group), and paid travel expenses to the award presentation.

Have you ever admired the dedication and talent of a coworker?
Have you ever wanted to recognize a colleague for outstanding work?
Here's your chance!

Think back over the past year, consider what has been accomplished for the Refuge System, and take this opportunity to recognize the dedicated people whose achievements were instrumental in strengthening our national wildlife refuges. We want to solicit diverse nominations from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Friends Groups, other federal, state, and local government agencies, private individuals, and conservation organizations. We welcome the nomination of candidates from previous years who were not selected to receive an award. Feel free to make this application information available to any individual, group or agency you think might be interested in providing a nomination.

WE NEED YOUR NOMINATIONS TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

Please use the appropriate NWRS Awards Nomination form to submit your nomination. Click to download form as Word document or as PDF:
- Refuge Manger (Word, PDF)
- Refuge Employee (Word, PDF)
- Refuge Volunteer (Word, PDF)
- Friends Group (Word, PDF)
You can email your nomination to cstoker@refugeassociation.org or mail six copies to:

National Wildlife Refuge Association
1901 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 407
Washington, DC 20006

Contact Claire Stoker at 202-333-9075 (ext. 25) or cstoker@refugeassociation.org for more information.

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