Water Conservationist of the Year:  Matt Holford

Matt Holford has been instrumental in raising money and coordinating volunteer labor for several coldwater fish habitat restoration and protection projects in Nevada.

Matt worked with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe to put spawning Lahontan Cutthroat trout in the tribes portion of the Truckee. On the Mary's river there were culverts in the river that blocked spawning fish.  Matt raised the funds to have the culverts removed and replaced by a bridge.  Matt was able to obtain $150,000 from Trout Unlimited, the Nevada Division of Wildlife, and other grant sources.  Matt has also been a vocal advocate for the Bull trout in the Jarbidge river.

Award Sponsor:  Nevada Wildlife Federation

Conservation Communicator of the Year:  Bob Goodman

Bob Goodman is a photographer and journalist by trade. His images and articles have brought some lesser known wildlife areas to the public's attention.  He has produced slide shows, conducted workshops, and lead tours to better educate the public about Nevada wildlife.  Bob's photojournalism articles have appeared in Sunset magazine and the Sparks Tribune, and several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) publications.  In these articles he generates a positive image for wildlife and wildlife habitat.

Award Sponsor:   Nevada Wildlife Federation

Range Conservationist of the Year:  Gene Kolkman

Gene Kolkman is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ely District Manager.  He has been successful in bringing together opposing ranching and wildlife groups to formulate elk management plans for White Pine and Lincoln counties.  He was also active in creating local support for the acquisition of the 3C Ranch by the state of Nevada, which will greatly benefit wetlands, fisheries, as well as a multitude of game and non-game species.  Gene has pushed for significant habitat improvement programs through education, funding, and field applications that make the Ely BLM District outstanding.

Award Sponsor:  Nevada Wildlife Federation

Conservation Educator of the Year: Dr. Ron Panik

Dr. Ron Panik teaches at the Western Nevada Community College.  His subjects include Environmental Science, General Biology, and Organismal Biology.  Dr. Panik understands and teaches the importance of the environment and the effects of environmental change on our lives.  In addition to his teaching he has done wildlife research for the Nevada Division of Wildlife, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US Forest Service.  Dr. Panik authored the petition to list the Sierra Nevada Mountain Yellowlegged Frog as an endangered species.

Award Sponsor:  Sierra Pacific Power Company

Hunter Educator of the Year: Jim O'Kelly

Jim O'Kelly has been instrumental in implementing the new Hunter Education program and has been involved in bow hunter education and archery for youth.  His skills as an instructor and team leader have proven to be an outstanding asset to the Hunter Education program.

Award Sponsor:  Nevada Wildlife Federation

Conservationist Organization of the Year: Mule Deer Foundation, Nevada (MDF-Nevada)

The Mule Deer Foundation, Nevada (MDF-Nevada) has participated directly or donated money for several range restoration projects in northern Nevada.  Their current project of rehabilitating the winter range of the Lassen/Washoe deer heard has included protection of several riparian areas and the planting of more than 10,000 brush and tree seedlings.  MDF-Nevada vigorously opposed a change in the regional plan for the Truckee Meadows that would allow residential building on the south slopes of Peavine Mountain, which is one of the major deer wintering areas used by the Lassen/Washoe deer heard.

MDF-Nevada also began coordinating the restoration of Petersen Mountain and adjacent areas.  Petersen Mountain  in an integral part of the wintering areas used by the Lassen/Washoe deer heard.

Award Sponsor:   Nevada Wildlife Federation

Conservationist of the Year: Dick Biggs

Dick Biggs has been active in conservation activities for over 50 years.  His volunteer efforts have included such diverse activities as building goose nest platforms, serving as an instructor for the Hunter Education program, and testifying at legislative hearings on behalf of wildlife.  Dick is passionate about Nevada and helps educate others about local wildlife and wildlife issues. He has served as director of the Nevada Wildlife Federation and the Ormsby Sportsmen's Association.

Award Sponsor:   Ormsby Sportsmen's Association

Wildlife Conservationist of the Year: Don King

Don King, a retired wildlife biologist, has devoted time, effort, and personal resources to promoting good range stewardship on public lands.  Don also produced a slide program which outline the elk management objectives for the northeaster part of the state.  Don has also assisted the US Forest Service (USFS) in planning and carrying out the Elk Habitat Study in the Jarbidge Mountains.  He has spent several weeks during the last two summers in the field assisting in surveys and providing guidance and support.  He has served as a liaison between USFS and other federal/state agencies, and sportsmen's organizations.

Award Sponsor:  Nevada Wildlife Federation