ST. LOUIS, MO  — The National Wildlife Federation honored the Arizona Wildlife Federation for its unparalleled work to protect Arizona’s wildlife heritage and natural resources for future generations. The Arizona Wildlife Federation, which marks its 96th year of conservation leadership this year, has set an example for conservation organizations in the Grand Canyon State and beyond for building broad support for wildlife and environmental issues.

“The Arizona Wildlife Federation has long been a champion of conservation — working to protect wildlife, natural resources, and the right of Arizonans to enjoy the outdoors. Its work to shape public policy on conservation issues and protect access to public lands and water serves as an inspiration to others,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “The Arizona Wildlife Federation’s sustained and successful history as the collective voice for Arizona’s conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and anglers, as well as its important work to further the stewardship of natural places and engage people in conservation, lend strength and power to the Federation.”

“The Arizona Wildlife Federation is honored to receive this special award. Success in conservation requires the tireless dedication of many individuals and organizations working together,” said Brad Powell, president of the Arizona Wildlife Federation. “As we look forward to our next 96 years, there is a lot of work to do, but having strong partners like the National Wildlife Federation and our Arizona Affiliates gives me confidence that we will continue to make great progress in conserving Arizona’s wildlife and wild lands for future generations.”

The National Wildlife Federation presented the award at its annual meeting and 83nd anniversary celebration. The National Conservation Affiliate of the Year Award honors an affiliate organization for its conservation accomplishments and contributions to collaborative efforts across the Federation.

The National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Awards began in 1966. Since then, the National Wildlife Federation has celebrated individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting wildlife through education, advocacy, communication and on-the-ground conservation. Previous honorees have included former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson and Michelle Obama, and other national leaders, including U.S. Senator John McCain and filmmaker Robert Redford.

The National Wildlife Federation is America's largest and most trusted conservation organization. Its 51 affiliates lead critical wildlife conservation efforts in their states and territories and pass policy resolutions each year that guide the National Wildlife Federation’s work.

The Arizona Wildlife Federation was founded in 1923 as the Arizona Game Protection Association. In 1968, the organization became a state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation and changed its name to the Arizona Wildlife Federation. The Arizona Wildlife Federation’s initial goal was to take the politics out of fish and game management and to promote the management of Arizona’s natural resources on a scientific basis. In its first year, the Arizona Wildlife Federation led the establishment of the Arizona’s Game and fish commission.

Since its founding, the Arizona Wildlife Federation has worked to pass state and federal legislation to promote the conservation of Arizona’s natural resources, the protection of the rights of Arizona outdoorsmen, and the improvement of outdoor recreation. It also has worked to promote the vigorous and impartial enforcement of all state and federal conservation, game, and fish laws, and to encourage conservation education in Arizona schools.