NEWS
For Release: April 14, 2022
WWF Awards Conservation Achievement
Award-winning conservation achievements of eight individuals and one organization were
recognized by the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation at its April annual meeting and awards banquet.
Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Awards honored:
⮚ Educator of the Year Ruth Ann Lee, Executive Director of the Outdoor Heritage Education
Center;
⮚ Organization of the Year Hermitage Conservation Club near Sheboygan;
⮚ Warden of the Year Steven Swiertz of the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources;
⮚ Communicator of the Year Dan Small;
⮚ Land & Water Conservationist of the Year Dan Mahoney of Plover;
⮚ Forestry Conservationist of the Year J. Michael Gould of Darlington;
⮚ Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year Howard Christianson;
⮚ Legislator of the Year Congressman Ron Kind; and
⮚ Conservationist of the Year Monica Spaeni of Access Ability Wisconsin.
“This year’s honorees once again were nominated by their peers and community members from
across Wisconsin. Their achievements and additional photos are at wiwf.org,” said WWF Past
President Lil Pipping, Awards Banquet Emcee. “They are an inspiration
to anyone who cares about natural resources and healthy habitats for fish and wildlife, as well
as outdoor skills training, conservation education, individual rights, access, and passing along
our outdoor heritage.”
Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Awards were funded in part by
Hunting Works for Wisconsin, National Wildlife Federation, Outdoor Heritage Education Center,
and Wisconsin Chapter of Safari Club International.
Wisconsin Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit with more than 211
affiliated member organizations dedicated to education and advocacy for sound conservation
policy and individual sporting rights. For information about WWF individual or organizational
membership, sponsorship or partnership, contact Executive Director Mark LaBarbera at
MLaBarbera57@icloud.com or visit www.WIWF.org.