MAFWA AWARDS 2025

“Spirit of the Shack” Achievement Award

This award will be given to the individual who exemplifies the ideals of the great conservationist and educator, Aldo Leopold, who has contributed to conservation in a superior way. This individual should epitomize stewardship and dedication to fish and wildlife conservation.

Nominations should include the candidate’s name, title, and member state/providence. A description of the work that qualifies this person for this award, including specific projects or accomplishments relevant to the award specifications, should be included. This description should not exceed one page. Finally, the name and title of the person making the nomination should be included.

A plaque will be awarded to the recipient of this award stating that it was given by MAFWA and that it is the “Spirit of the Shack” Achievement Award. The name of the recipient and the year awarded will be included on the plaque.

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

This award will be given to the individual who in the past year has shown superior leadership, initiative, and dedication in their duties. This person should personify achievement, public service, education, and above all, natural resource conservation.

A plaque will be given to the recipient of this award stating that it was given by MAFWA and that it is the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award. The name of the recipient and the year awarded will be included on the plaque.

Fisheries Biologist of the Year

This award will be given to the individual who has shown an unparalleled initiative towards the better understanding of fish and their conservation.

A plaque will be given to the recipient of this award stating that it was given by MAFWA and that it is the Fisheries Biologist of the Year award. The name of the recipient and the year awarded will be included on the plaque.

Wildlife Biologist of the Year

This award will be given to the individual who has shown an unparalleled initiative towards the better understanding of wildlife and their conservation.

A plaque will be given to the recipient of this award stating that it was given by MAFWA and that it is the Wildlife Biologist of the Year award. The name of the recipient and the year awarded will be included on the plaque.

Excellence in Conservation Award

This award will be given to the agency that has shown excellence in conservation through a specific project. Each member agency can submit one project completed in the awards year that exemplifies the goal of fish and wildlife conservation.

Nominations should include the name of the project and the member state/providence. A description of the work that qualifies this project for this award, including specific accomplishments relevant to the award specifications, should be included. This description should not exceed one page. Finally, the name and title of the person making the nomination should be included.

A perpetual plaque will be awarded to the winning agency and will remain with that agency until prior to the next awards ceremony. The plaque will have the winning agencies name, project name, and year won.

Fish & Wildlife Technician of the Year

This award will be given to the individual who has shown an unparalleled initiative for providing excellent work in the field to benefit fish and wildlife and their conservation. Eligibility for this award includes, but is not limited to, management foremen, laborers, superintendents, and similar job classifications (varying by state). These are hands-on staff who provide vital operational support and delivery of conservation and public service at facilities, on the ground, and in the water.

A plaque will be given to the recipient of this award stating that it was given by MAFWA and that it is the Fish and Wildlife Technician of the Year award. The name of the recipient and the year awarded will be included on the plaque.

Business Services Professional of the Year

This award will be given to the individual who has shown an unparalleled initiative for providing excellent business service to benefit fish and wildlife and their conservation. Eligibility for this award includes, but are not limited to, those in budgeting, accounting, Federal Aid/grants, sales, and marketing. These experts are vital to smooth operations and behind-the-scenes coordination.

A plaque will be given to the recipient of this award stating that it was given by MAFWA and that it is the Business Services Professional of the Year award. The name of the recipient and the year awarded will be included on the plaque.

Education/Communication Professional of the Year

This award will be given to the individual who has shown an unparalleled initiative for providing excellent work in education/communications to benefit fish and wildlife and their conservation.

A plaque will be given to the recipient of this award stating that it was given by MAFWA and that it is the Education/Communication Professional of the Year award. The name of the recipient and the year awarded will be included on the plaque.