The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners is currently seeking nominations for the 2023 Wayne E. Kirch Nevada Wildlife Conservation Award.
The award is given annually to recipients who have demonstrated significant results towards conservation, management, or enhancement of wildlife. An individual, non-profit organization, outdoor sports club, or business can be nominated for the award for their work done during the award year. Elena Larsen of Reno received the 2022 award for her work leading young professionals in restoration efforts at Rosewood Nature Study Area and connecting people to conservation throughout 2022.
The following criteria are considered in evaluating nominees:
- Time and depth of commitment to conservation, management, or enhancement of wildlife in the state of Nevada during the current calendar year.
- Influence of the person/project on the public and in presenting positive public relations regarding wildlife conservation in Nevada.
- Quantity and quality of measurable results for wildlife conservation.
- Obstacles, difficulties, and personal sacrifice involved in meeting wildlife conservation goals.
The judging panel is made up of two wildlife commissioners, Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) staff assigned to the Kirch Award Committee, four judges representing county advisory boards to manage wildlife or outdoor groups, and Marlene Kirch, daughter of former commissioner Wayne E. Kirch.
The conservation award consists of a perpetual bronze and wood plaque, on which the recipient’s name is added. This award is displayed in NDOW’s public offices, and each winner also receives a smaller version of the award to keep.
This award is named in memory of Wayne E. Kirch, who served on the Fish and Game Commission for more than 25 years, the longest tenure on the board since its inception in 1877. Kirch proposed and championed the state wildlife management area concept and was a continuous force for wildlife conservation in Nevada. The Kirch Wildlife Management Area in southern Nevada is also named in his honor. Kirch, of Las Vegas, passed away in 1989.
All required official award nomination forms are available from the Nevada Department of Wildlife regional offices, or on ndow.org. The 2023 award is for work that occurred in 2023. To be considered, nominations must be received no later than November 15, 2023.