Colorado Wildlife Council Opens 2026 Conservationist of the Year Nominations

The Colorado Wildlife Council is accepting nominations for its 2026 Conservationist of the Year Award, opening January 27 with a March 31 deadline. Larimer and Weld County hunters, anglers and conservation groups should submit nominations for the statewide award, which recognizes wildlife conservation, sustainability and public education work.

The award offers northern Front Range sportsmen's groups and habitat organizations a statewide platform to showcase conservation work that combines field projects with public education.

The award specifically promotes hunting and fishing as essential wildlife management tools.

Nominations are open to Colorado residents affiliated with conservation-focused organizations whose primary mission supports hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation. Individuals, organizations and self-nominated groups are eligible.

Strong nominations demonstrate measurable conservation impact—habitat restoration, natural resource protection or hunting and fishing education—plus innovation, long-term commitment, community involvement and collaborative partnerships, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The 2025 inaugural award went to Dan Gates, recognized for promoting science-based wildlife management and demonstrating hunting and fishing's role in conservation. Gates was described as "an outspoken advocate for science-based wildlife management, and for the benefits, importance and relevance of hunting and fishing in management and for all of society," according to the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project.

Gates's recognized activities included more than 180 presentations and interviews, organizing Colorado Outdoorsman Days, coordinating hunts for novice and underprivileged participants, and offering free education seminars. The award was presented at a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting March 5-6, 2025.

Applications must be submitted online by March 31, 2026, including a description of conservation activities, accomplishments and partnerships. The winner will be announced in May and recognized at a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting.

Readers with questions can email [email protected].