Artist and conservationist John Banovich, through the Banovich Wildscapes Foundation, is pleased to announce a new award recognizing the extraordinary contributions made by the world’’s leading conservationists. 

The Award for Conservation Excellence is sponsored by Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, the Cabela Family Foundation & Bass Pro Shops and is to become the most significant award in the conservation arena. A primary goal of the award is to generate widespread awareness of the world’s conservation crisis.  Five finalists will be chosen and the First place winner will be awarded a $100,000 cash prize (donated by The Cabela’s Outdoor Fund & Cabela Family Foundation) and a $5,000 Cabela’s gift certificate.  Four finalists will receive a $5,000 Cabela’s Gift Certificate and a $5,000 cash reward (donated by Bass Pro Shops). 

Many of the world’’s leading conservationists, biologists and scientists are working tirelessly in the field of conservation to save the world’s remaining species. These unsung heroes dedicate their lives to the preservation of flora and fauna, often working in remote, unforgiving wilderness areas under extreme and challenging conditions. In committing to this lifelong journey, they often subject themselves to what some might consider a vow of poverty. With their astute minds and diligent work ethic, they could potentially be the top earners in private industry had they not chosen the unheralded work of the nonprofit world. Instead they are driven by their passion for saving wildlife and making the world a better place.”

Nominations can be submitted by anyone, either for themselves or another person working on any aspect of conservation, from single species, to ecosystems, to basic research on important ecological processes.  Initial winnowing of the applications will be done by the steering committee, final decisions by a panel of judges, all with long and distinguished careers in conservation.

The Application deadline is August 31, 2017.  The first ACE Award will be presented at a premier awards ceremony during the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition February 14, 2018 at the Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina

More information and application forms are on the website with links listed below.  I am attaching a summary of the ACE Award as well as a copy of the application form.  Our preferred method of applying is via the online application. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 31, 2017

LINK TO ONLINE SUBMISSION FORM https://form.jotform.us/71685392584166
LINK TO ACE AWARD INFORMATION WEBPAGE http://www.wildscapesfoundation.org/ace-award/about
LINK TO ACE AWARD APPLICANT INFORMATION WEBPAGE  http://www.wildscapesfoundation.org/ace-award/applicants

Contact Information:
Kimberly C. Fletcher
COO, Banovich Wildscapes Foundation
307.200.1622
info@wildscapesfoundation.org