The Wildlife Society’s Wildlife Restoration Awards recognize outstanding projects supported by Wildlife Restoration funds (also known as Pittman-Robertson funds) and associated non-federal matching funds.

AWARD CRITERIA

Two Wildlife Restoration Awards will be given each year, one in each of the following categories: Wildlife Management (restore, conserve, manage, and enhance wild bird and mammal populations) and Wildlife Research and Surveys.

The primary eligibility criteria are that the nominated project must fit in one of the two award categories and must have been conducted using Wildlife Restoration and associated non-federal matching funds consistent with Section 4(b) of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. Because many projects are ongoing or occur over longer time frames, there are no formal constraints on timing of projects nominated. However, to be eligible a nominated project must have a defined ending date. This criterion is intended to differentiate projects from ongoing programs funded with Wildlife Restoration funds.

Award nominations may be submitted by TWS members in good standing. Nominations are especially encouraged from federal and state/provincial agency staff who are directly or indirectly involved with administration and/or implementation of projects accomplished with Pittman-Robertson funding.

Similar projects or ongoing programs without a defined ending date may be eligible for the Group Achievement Award.

NOMINATION PROCEDURES

Project nominations (not to exceed 10 pages) should be submitted that provide essential information, including the project title, the name of the agency receiving Wildlife Restoration funds to conduct the project, project need, objectives, procedures, results, benefits and evaluation. The narrative should address the appropriate awards criteria described below:

  • Overall Project Quality
    • Uniqueness or innovation – has it been done before? Does it develop new tools, techniques, or approaches?
    • Scope or magnitude – what is its impact?
    • Longevity – describe the long lasting, enduring nature of the project and its benefits.
    • Geographic area of significance – what is the geographic (e.g. local, state/provincial, regional, national, international) scope of the project and its benefits?
    • Cooperation and/or partnerships – does the project foster linkages with other agencies and organizations?
  • Appropriate Evaluation Strategies
    • Objectives clearly stated, properly assessed, and achieved.
    • Describe the project’s cost effectiveness and/or cost benefits.
  • Impacts on the Public
    • What segments of the public have benefitted from the project? Describe the extent and nature of benefits realized.
    • Appropriate publicity of opportunities and involvement of Wildlife Restoration funds.
    • Accessibility of the project’s products to users, results to professionals, or messages to constituents.
  • Advancement of Wildlife Management or Research
    • Improvements in wildlife population or monitoring, wildlife management, or research techniques.
    • Appropriate dissemination of information within the wildlife community – publication/presentation of results. (Provide evidence of distribution or plans to accomplish).
  • Exceptional Protection or Enhancement of Habitat or Resource
    • Significant wildlife resources or habitat receive long-term protection, improvement or enhancement.
    • Development of new information concerning restoration or enhancement of wildlife habitats.
  • Improved Understanding of and Support for Wildlife Conservation
    • Communicates significant information on wildlife issues.
    • Reaches large and diverse audiences.
    • Generates public support for wildlife issues or programs.
    • Effective and/or innovative.
    • Integration with other agency and partner group programs.
    • Improves understanding of the Wildlife Restoration Program.

Up to five pages of supporting materials (e.g., lists of presentations, bibliographic material, etc.) may be sent in addition to the ten-page nomination. You may designate one of the award categories (Wildlife Management or Wildlife Research and Surveys), but the awards committee reserves the right to change the category if appropriate.

Submit these materials via email to awards@wildlife.org. The nomination and complete supporting documentation should be sent as a single PDF by May 1, 2023 at 11:59 pm EDT.