Minnesota Chapter Awards

The Minnesota Award has been given to Minnesota’s top conservationist annually since 1958. It is the Chapter’s highest award and is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to Minnesota’s wildlife and natural resources.

The Conservation Award, first presented in 1985, goes to an organization or institution that has shown an outstanding commitment to Minnesota’s natural resources.

The Law Enforcement Award, first presented in 1992, is presented to an individual who has demonstrated dedication and service to the protection of Minnesota’s natural resources.

The Student Conservationist Award, given since 1992, is presented an undergraduate or graduate student in a wildlife-related field at a Minnesota college or university who has shown high scholastic achievement, and who shows promise as a future wildlife professional.

The Excellence in Mentorship Award acknowledges contributions to our field through mentorship and guidance.

The North Star Award for Special Achievement in Wildlife Conservation is intended to recognize a singular and exceptional achievement or accomplishment in the last 5 years that advanced wildlife conservation in Minnesota or elsewhere. Nominees must have been MNTWS members in good standing at the time of the achievement.

2021 Award Recipients
2020 Annual Awards Virtual Celebration
2020 Award Recipients
2019 Award Recipients
History of MN TWS Award Recipients

To Nominate Someone for a Minnesota TWS Chapter Award
We are requesting nominations for all of our Chapter Awards. You can submit a nomination using this fillable PDF form.  NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00p on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025.

Contact the Awards Committee Chair if you have questions about individual awards, the nomination process, or if you would like a .pdf of the nomination form sent to you via email:
Chair: Sara Vacek
Email: saravacek5@gmail.com
Cell: 320-297-0386

Other Noteworthy Awards
Please inform Awards Committee Chair Sara Vacek of any members who have received other awards so we can share the news with the membership. Congratulations to each and every one of these very special and committed individuals!