The Wildlife Management Institute's highest individual honor?its Distinguished Service Award?will henceforth be known as the George Bird Grinnell Memorial Award for Distinguished Service in Natural Resource Conservation. With the permission and enthusiastic approval of George Bird Grinnell's relatives, the award now carries the name of the gentleman many consider the "father of conservation."

Grinnell?author, publisher, sportsman, ethnographer?was a powerful force behind the emergence of natural resource conservation as a public notion, political responsibility and professional discipline. He was advisor/mentor for Theodore Roosevelt and catalyst for many others who were to contribute the early principles, spirit and momentum of conservation in North America.

"We are very pleased that our Distinguished Service Award now carries George Bird Grinnell's name and legacy," stated Steve Williams, President of WMI. "This award recognizes persons who have selflessly and very effectively dedicated their careers to conservation, without thought of personal gain or glory. It is entirely fitting that this award recognizes individuals of foresight, determination and accomplishment?hallmarks of Grinnell's extraordinary life. This award will pay tribute to its recipients' careers and to the memory of its venerated namesake." The Distinguished Service Award was established in 1999 and first conferred in 2000. The past honorees, who now will be recognized retroactively as recipients of the George Bird Grinnell Memorial Award for Distinguished Service in Natural Resource Conservation are:
2000 Bill Stevens, Federal Cartridge Company
2001 Dick Lattimer, Archery Manufacturers and Merchants Organization
2002 Perry and Lee Bass, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
2003 Daniel A. Poole, Wildlife Management Institute (retired)
2004 Wayne F. MacCallum, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
2005 James Earl Kennamer, National Wild Turkey Federation
2006 Duane L. Shroufe, Arizona Game and Fish Department