Master Conservationist Award Nomination

Background

The Master Conservationist Award was created in 1941 to honor living or deceased citizen conservationists, former Commissioners of the Department of Conservation, and employees of conservation-related agencies, universities, or organizations who made substantial and lasting contributions to the fisheries, forestry, or wildlife resources, including conservation law enforcement and conservation education-related activities in the state.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for consideration for recognition, the individual nominated must have been a member of the Missouri conservation community who meets at least one of the following criteria:

1. Performed an outstanding act or developed an innovative idea or technique which advanced conservation in Missouri;
2. Whose dedicated service over an extended period contributed to major progress in conservation in Missouri, and/or;
3. Whose contributions to conservation resulted in lasting significance at a local, regional, or statewide scale.

Nomination Instructions

Candidates may be nominated by any person, including committee members. Nominations should be submitted on the designated form and include a brief biography and detailed information pertaining to the individuals’ contributions to conservation. If confirming documentation is available, it should be included.

Provide as much information and detail as you can. Information submitted on this form is the only information used by the Master Conservationist Screening Committee. The Committee does not have resources to do background research on nominees or complete gaps in applications. Nominators are encouraged to work with others who may be able to assist with their efforts.

The Screening Committee Chair will notify the nominator the nomination application was received. Updates will be provided after consideration by the Conservation Commission. Not all those who are nominated will be selected as Master Conservationists. The selection process is rigorous, and acceptance is not guaranteed.

Screening Committee

The Master Conservationist Screening Committee is appointed by the Director of the Department of Conservation, and is composed of two active Department staff members, two retired Department employees, and the President and Executive Director of the Conservation Federation of Missouri. One active Department staff member will serve as chairman. The committee meets annually shortly after the first of the year to consider nominations submitted during the previous year. Recommendations for Master Conservationist nominations are then submitted to the Conservation Commission for their consideration. The Conservation Commission is the final authority on those selected to receive the Master Conservationist award.

Master Conservationists