Applications opening January 26th, 2026

All applications can be submitted through this link: https://forms.gle/sdDsDgWWbjmPNX7y8

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for nomination:

• Residency: Applicants must be residents of Colorado.
• Affiliation: Applicants must be affiliated or currently employed by one or more conservation-focused organizations whose primary mission focuses on the benefits of hunting and fishing.
• Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older. (For group/organizational entries, the primary contact must be over 18.)
• Compliance: All activities must comply with state and local laws and regulations.

The application requires detailed information in the following key areas:

Nominee Information

• Name of individual/group/organization and primary contact information.
• Clearly state whether you are nominating an individual or an organization.

Conservation Activity Description:

• A detailed description of the nominee’s specific conservation and sustainability activities within Colorado, highlighting efforts related to natural resource preservation, habitat restoration, and/or public education about the benefits of hunting and fishing.
• A description of the nominee’s most significant accomplishments and the positive, measurable impact of their activities on Colorado’s natural resources, long-term sustainability, and/or community understanding of hunting and fishing.
• A list of any individuals, groups or organizations that partnered with the nominee, including the nature and contribution of that support.

Duration & History:

• How long the nominee has been involved in conservation efforts within Colorado.
• Any prior awards or formal recognition received for conservation or sustainability activities specifically within Colorado.

Supporting Documents:

Providing supporting materials is not required, but is encouraged to strengthen your nomination and offer verifiable evidence of the nominee’s impact.

• Please limit your submission to three (3) additional items that best demonstrate the nominee’s work and accomplishments in Colorado.
• Examples include: photos, links to media coverage, project reports showing measurable results, or letters of endorsement from partners/leaders.

Nominations will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Innovation and Creativity: Unique, inventive and resourceful approaches to conservation challenges relevant to Colorado’s needs.
• Impact: Demonstrated, significant and quantifiable positive effects on Colorado’s environment or natural resources.
• Sustainability: The long-term success, durability and sustained protection resulting from the conservation efforts.
• Community Involvement: Effective engagement, collaboration and meaningful involvement of Colorado residents, community groups and/or local organizations.
• Education and Outreach: Successful efforts to educate the public, students or policymakers on conservation, sustainability and/or the benefits of hunting and fishing for wildlife management.

Application Opening: January 26, 2026
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Winner Announcement: May 2026

The recipient will be recognized and announced at the May Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting, plus an additional award as determined by the Colorado Wildlife Council.

• Legal Compliance: All activities must adhere to local, state and federal laws.
• Original Work: Projects submitted must be the original work of the applicant(s).
• Right to Publish: By entering, applicants grant the contest organizers the right to publish and promote their projects.
• Nondiscrimination: The contest is open to all eligible applicants without regard to race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
• Decision Finality: All decisions made by the judging panel are final and binding.