Bill MacKay Conservation Award
Detailed Description:
The Bill MacKay Conservation Award is presented by the Washington State Council of Fly Fishers International (WSCFFI) to recognize anindividual who has made extraordinary contributions to the conservation, protection, or restoration of Washington State’s fishing resources.Named in honor of Bill MacKay, a dedicated conservationist, this award acknowledges personal commitment and action that has directly improved the health of fish populations, aquatic habitats, or water systems within the state.
This prestigious award may honor either a singular, high-impact conservation achievement or a sustained series of actions reflecting long-termdedication to fishery conservation. The recipient’s contributions should reflect a level of effort and effectiveness that distinguishes them from theirpeers and aligns with the core values and environmental philosophy of FFI.
The award is not bound to an annual schedule but is presented only when a deserving individual is identified. While the nominee need not beaffiliated with Fly Fishers International, their work must demonstrate alignment with FFI’s conservation goals and ethics.
Award Criteria:
- Eligibility: Any individual—regardless of FFI affiliation—is eligible for nomination, provided they have not previously received the BillMacKay Conservation Award.
- Type of Contribution: The award may recognize either a single, impactful action or a continuous body of work in fisheries conservationwithin Washington State.
- Scope of Impact: The individual’s efforts must have produced noticeable and meaningful improvements in fish habitats, water quality,fish populations, or public awareness related to fisheries conservation.
- Merit-Based Awarding: Are the individual’s contributions truly outstanding and worthy of formal recognition. Provide factual documented data of the contributions.
- Alignment with FFI Values: The nominee’s conservation efforts must reflect a dedication to stewardship, sustainability, and ecologicalintegrity, consistent with the mission and philosophy of the FFI.
Checklist for Evaluation:
- Documented Conservation Impact: Has the nominee made a tangible and measurable contribution to improving fisheries, habitat,or water resources in Washington State?
- Leadership and Advocacy: Has the individual taken initiative or demonstrated leadership in conservation efforts, public education, orpolicy influence?
- Consistency or Significance of Effort: Was the contribution a one-time, game- changing action or part of an ongoing commitment toconservation?
- Personal Dedication and Effort: Did the nominee show exceptional initiative, perseverance, or dedication—especially in volunteer orgrassroots contexts?
- Alignment with FFI Conservation Principles: Do the nominee’s actions support the broader objectives of FFI—such as promotingsustainability, ethical stewardship, and the long-term health of fisheries ecosystems?
Nominations for the Bill MacKay Conservation Award will be reviewed by the Awards Chair and the Conservation Director. They will make recommendations to the full Awards Committee for final selection and BoD approval
