The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2016 Commission Awards. The deadline for submission is Aug. 12, 2016. The purpose of these awards is to recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state’s wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Nominations are for the categories listed below and may include individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies. Arizona Game and Fish Department employees are not eligible for nomination.
Submit a Commission Awards nomination, or download a nomination form. Then submit the completed form and all supplemental materials to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: 2016 Commission Awards – DOHQ, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086 or fax to: 623-236-7299 or email to: lroe@azgfd.gov. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. August 12, 2016.
2016 Award Categories:
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Any individual, group, organization, club, foundation, or agency that has excelled in efforts to benefit wildlife, wildlife habitats, or programs of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
YOUTH ENVIRONMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
Any individual, 18 years of age or younger, who has excelled in efforts to benefit wildlife and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
OUTDOOR WRITER OF THE YEAR
Any professional or freelance writer who has excelled in highlighting issues or activities pertaining to the welfare of wildlife and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
MEDIA OF THE YEAR
Any media source (radio, television, magazine, newsletter, or periodical) that has published articles or materials beneficial to public interest about wildlife or wildlife related topics and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
Any organization, group, foundation, or agency that has excelled in efforts to enhance the welfare of wildlife, wildlife related recreation, and the mission of the Game and Fish Department.
CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR
Any individual, not associated with a professional agency, which has excelled in efforts to enhance, conserve, and manage wildlife or their habitats.
NATURAL RESOURCE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Any individual who through a professional agency affiliation has excelled in efforts to enhance, conserve, and manage wildlife or their habitats.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Any individual who, as a registered volunteer with the Department, has excelled in efforts to support and benefit the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Any individual whose educational activities have advanced and supported the welfare of wildlife, wildlife related recreation, or the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
MENTOR OF THE YEAR
Any individual who has acted in the role of a mentor and whose efforts have resulted in the promotion and support of future wildlife conservation efforts and the development of future wildlife conservation leaders in Arizona.
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Any individual that has engaged in political advocacy for the betterment of wildlife conservation and in the support of the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Any business partner of the Arizona Game and Fish Department who actively promotes the Department through innovative approaches, community involvement and a customer service focus that benefits the citizens of Arizona and supports the Game and Fish mission of wildlife conservation.
BUCK APPLEBY HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
Any hunter education instructor who actively participates in hunter education activities and demonstrates the highest level of customer service, dedication and professionalism during these activities.
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will select the 2016 Commission Award recipients at its Aug. 26, 2016 meeting. The awards will be presented at the annual Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet to be held Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at the Arizona Grand Resort, 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona 85044.