The Kansas Wildlife Federation (KWF) proudly announces winners of the 2010 Conservation Achievement Program Awards. KWF recently honored thirteen recipients at a reception and banquet in their honor in Great Bend on February 26.
For forty-seven years, the Federation has recognized Kansans who have devoted exceptional efforts for wildlife conservation in the state. Kansas citizens, who wish to recognize the awardees for their contributions, supplied the nominations.
Typically, awards are given in categories such as youth, land, water, forest, education, farming and ranching. For 2010, 12 awards were given, along with a special award, the President’s, for meritorious service to the KWF.
These are the most prestigious wildlife-related awards given in Kansas and are patterned after similar awards in most other states through respective state affiliates of the National Wildlife Federation. Deb Miller of Topeka won the overall award, Conservationist of the Year. Award sponsors for these awards included Westar, Inc., Kansas Chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Kansas Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Kansas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Geary County Fish and Game Association, the Watershed Institute, the Wichita Eagle,  and the Jim Ruder family of WaKeeney.
The 2010 President’s Award was presented to Troy Schroeder of Albert. Troy has served on the KWF Board of Directors since 2007. He has been active on the Issues and Actions Committee regarding Farm Bill legislation and wildlife issues. Troy has also worked on Farm Bill legislation with the National Wildlife Federation, providing insight on wildlife habitats beneficial to Great Plains wildlife.
Troy has flown to Washington, D. C. to meet with Kansas congressional delegates about Teaming With Wildlife issues and the importance funding has on nongame wildlife in Kansas. Representative Todd Tiahrt was especially influential in getting funds for this program.
Troy was elected Administrative Vice President at the KWF 2011 Annual Meeting in Great Bend. For his many years of dedicated service to the Kansas Wildlife Federation and his efforts on Farm Bill and wildlife issues, Troy Schroeder is deserving of the KWF President’s award.