Through Justin’s decade of volunteer leadership in Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, development of educational resources, coordination of conservation projects and partnerships, and tireless advocacy at public meetings and the legislature, he has become a leading voice for protecting Arizona’s wildlife, public lands, and outdoor heritage for future generations. Born in South Lake Tahoe, California, Justin has had a deep appreciation for the beauty and importance of public lands since day one. Justin currently lives in Flagstaff, Arizona, with his wife, young daughter, son, and two bird dogs. When Justin isn’t working at his job as a Project Manager for a local General Contractor, you will find him chasing any adventure that comes his way. His pastimes include hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and really anything that can be done on the many acres of Arizona public land. He aspires to make an impact on the conservation of public lands and to ensure that our children have the same (if not more) benefits than we have today. Since 2019, Justin has been the Arizona Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Chapter Chair, which allows him to share his vision on a larger scale.

As the Climate News and Storytelling Reporter for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, Joan combines her Ph.D. in Ecology, where she researched the biodiversity of native bees, with award-winning journalism to make complex environmental issues accessible and relevant to the public. Through investigative reporting, in-depth storytelling, and thoughtful engagement with conservation leaders, she has elevated critical conversations about Arizona’s natural resources and wildlife. Her work consistently highlights the challenges and opportunities facing conservation in the state while encouraging informed public dialogue. Joan’s dedication to accurate, science-based reporting has made her one of Arizona’s most influential voices for conservation awareness.

In fall 2025, she rode her mountain bike 850 miles from Utah to Mexico along the Arizona Trail and documented climate impacts to landscapes, communities, and wildlife along the way for the newspaper and as part of a forthcoming book with Island Press.

Through habitat restoration, invasive species removal, water quality monitoring, community science programs, and watershed-wide collaboration, Friends of the Verde River has advanced the health and resilience of the Verde River and its tributaries. Under the leadership of Executive Director David Gressly, Friends has expanded its conservation impact through the release of the 2025 Verde River Watershed Report Card, growth of community stewardship programs, and the acquisition of a 33.66-acre nature preserve and future River Center along the Verde River. These efforts are creating new opportunities for education, volunteer engagement, and long-term conservation of critical riparian habitat. Through science-based conservation and strong partnerships, Friends of the Verde River continues to ensure that the Verde River remains a healthy, flowing resource for wildlife, communities, and future generations.

Morgan is an Eagle Scout who believes conservation begins with caring for the land and sharing that responsibility with others. Her Eagle Scout project created a Monarch Waystation to support pollinators and raise awareness about the importance of native habitats and wildlife. Through year-round conservation efforts, volunteer service, and outdoor leadership in Arizona and across the United States, Morgan strives to make a lasting difference for natural resources, wildlife, and the communities that depend on them

Chris is the Manager of the Arizona Working Dog Alliance and actively engages in the legislative process, testifying on wildlife and conservation bills and educating policymakers and the public on the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Over the past two legislative sessions, Chris has emerged as a strong voice for science-based wildlife management, regularly advocating for conservation issues at the State Capitol. He participated in the Arizona Wildlife Federation’s Lands and Wildlife Advocacy Day, where he met directly with lawmakers to discuss wildlife conservation, public lands, and responsible wildlife management. Through his advocacy, public outreach, and Working Dog Report podcast, Chris continues to inform, engage, and mobilize Arizona’s conservation community.

Stan and Danette Schepers were dedicated BOW instructors for 16 years, teaching the Camping and Wildlife/Predator Calling classes. Together, they helped hundreds of women learn skills to enjoy the outdoors in a safe, fun, and rewarding way. Stan and Danette always went above and beyond, and in many cases, created lasting relationships with their students. With Dan’s 30 years of service to conservation organizations, they always included a message of conservation to the many outdoor programs they taught. Dan also taught Trapper Education for the Arizona Game and Fish Department and has been a long-time board member with the Arizona Predator Callers.

Troy Christensen has been a dedicated, passionate employee at the Arizona Game and Fish Department for 37 years. He held various positions — sometimes working hands-on with wildlife, sometimes building rainwater catchments, sometimes working from boats, sometimes doing outreach, sometimes driving a water truck or a tractor, but always doing things which benefited wildlife, habitat, or the recreating public. For the last 25 years, he has served in the Landowner Relations Program, building mutually-beneficial relationships with ranchers and farmers, and facilitating hundreds of projects in cooperation with landowners, land management agencies, and many diverse volunteer groups, including off-road enthusiasts, Boy Scouts, sportsmen groups, schools, hiking clubs, and conservation organizations.

Arizona Senator T.J. Shope has demonstrated a consistent commitment to balancing Arizona’s economic, agricultural, and recreational interests with the long-term stewardship of our natural resources. He understands that managing Arizona’s natural resources requires collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including landowners, sportsmen, conservation organizations, and state agencies. Senator Shope’s pragmatic leadership style has made him an effective voice for balanced conservation policy and a valuable partner to those working to preserve Arizona’s unique landscapes and wildlife.

In a state where water scarcity, population growth, and land-use pressures present ongoing challenges, Senator Shope’s approach stands out as both responsible and forward looking. He exemplifies the kind of leadership needed to ensure that conservation efforts are durable, inclusive, and grounded in real-world outcomes.