Call for nominations open for Annual Climate Adaptation Leadership Awards

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies recently announced a call for nominations for the Climate Adaptation Leadership Awards, which recognize those taking action to reduce climate change. 

“The Association is honored to support the Climate Adaptation Leadership Awards and celebrate the outstanding efforts made to increase the resilience of America’s valuable living natural resources,” said Curt Melcher, Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “Even more, we hope these awards can motivate others to take action to secure an abundance of fish and wildlife for future generations.”

Established in 2016, the awards recognize leadership by federal, state, Tribal, local and nongovernmental entities in reducing climate-related threats and enhancing climate resilience.

This annual award is designed to recognize the progress made since the 2012 National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy. The strategy was designed in response to a congressional request to identify and take action against climate change threats to make America’s natural resources more resilient. The report, which was updated in 2021, emphasizes the need to integrate human communities into the ways climate adaptation for fish, wildlife and plants are addressed.

The Climate Adaptation Leadership Awards Steering Committee administers the awards. The committee includes representatives from Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, various federal agencies, nongovernmental and Tribal organizations, and past award winners.

“Since 2016, the Climate Adaptation Leadership Awards have highlighted and celebrated the remarkable efforts of individuals, organizations, agencies, Tribal nations and others working to increase the resilience of the nation’s plants, animals and habitats, the significant living resources that people, communities and businesses depend on,” said Dreux Watermolen, natural resource program manager with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and member of the Award’s Steering Committee. “The recipients have provided inspiring examples for others working to ensure a vibrant future for our nation’s wellbeing at the local, state, regional and national levels.” 

Nominations should address at least one of the seven goals outlined in the Climate Adaptation Strategy and will be ranked according to proactivity, innovation, effectiveness, influence and collaboration. Those eligible include government and nongovernment organizations, Tribal Nations and individuals. Nominations will be accepted through May 31.Visit the Climate Adaptation Leadership Award nomination form for more information on criteria and nominating procedures.