Call for Award Nominations

Link to Awards Nomination Form - due by 12/1/26
Chapter of the Year Nomination - Due by 12/1/26

 

Call for Nominations for TWS-WS Awards

Submit your nominations by December 1, 2026

The Western Section recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to make contributions toward the Western Section’s goals. If you know of a deserving nominee for any of our awards, please submit a nominations form to our Awards Committee by December 1st.

New for 2027 – Three new awards!

  1. Early Career Professional of the Year – Recognizes an early career professional who demonstrates excellence in wildlife biology, conservation, management, leadership, and/or service. The award celebrates meaningful contributions during the early stages of a professional career while supporting inclusion, representation, and professional advancement.  
  2. Student Biologist of the Year – Recognizes a student who demonstrates outstanding dedication to wildlife biology and conservation through academic achievement, research, practical experience, leadership, service, and/or outreach. The award celebrates emerging biologists who contribute meaningfully while developing their knowledge and professional skills. Open to high school and college students.
  3. Most Influential Biologist of the Year – Honors a member whose work advances public understanding of wildlife. This work extends beyond traditional scientific contributions through channels like social media, public outreach, advocacy, media work, education or other impactful platforms. Open to any Western Section member. This award celebrates the ways biologists connect wildlife science with audiences beyond the profession. Contributions may include public education, social media, journalism, creative media, community outreach, or conservation advocacy. Recognition emphasizes meaningful influence, the ability to inform, engage, and inspire, rather than visibility or audience size alone.

Our longtime awards:

  • Raymond F. Dasmann Award for the Professional of the Year The “Dasmann Award” is presented by the Western Section to Professionals who have made an outstanding contribution to wildlife resources management and understanding in California, Nevada, Hawaii, or Pacific Island territories.
  • The Conservationist of the Year Award The Conservationist of the Year Award is presented by the Western Section to a person or group, engaged in wildlife conservation either as a profession or as an avocation, who has made an outstanding contribution to wildlife conservation in California, Nevada, Hawaii, or Pacific Island territories.
  • Barrett A. Garrison “Outstanding Mentor Award The “Barrett A. Garrison Outstanding Mentor Award” is bestowed to a professional within California, Nevada, Hawaii, or Pacific Island territories who has contributed to our profession by assisting the continued development of students and/or young professionals.
  •  The Diversity Award  The Diversity Award recognizes an individual or organization for outstanding efforts in fostering inclusivity (including gender expression and identity, education, age, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, race, family status, languages, and ethnicities, socioeconomic status, veteran status, political and religious perspectives, and other human differences) in wildlife conservation. The award recognizes and reflects TWS-WS deep commitment to promoting an inclusive culture in California, Nevada, Hawaii, or Pacific Island territories. 
  • James D. Yoakum Award The “James D. Yoakum Award” is intended to recognize individuals who have provided outstanding, long-term service, support, and commitment to the Western Section of The Wildlife Society.  Qualifications of Nominee: The nominee must be a member of The Wildlife Society and of The Western Section and must have dedicated a substantial amount of time, energy, and personal sacrifice to furthering the Section’s goals and facilitating its programs and operations. The Award recognizes service to the organization rather than contributions to wildlife management and conservation, which are recognized by the Section’s two other major awards, the “Raymond F. Dasmann Award for Professional of the Year” and the “Conservationist of the Year Award.”
  • The Chapter of the Year Award is awarded to the Chapter and its members that achieved the most toward promoting wildlife conservation and responsible wildlife management in the Western Section region.