2011 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year

The 2011 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year selects a conservation organization to receive a $50,000 grant from Budweiser and the Foundation. The three runners up each direct a $5,000 grant to a conservation organization of their choice. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant volunteer contributions to the outdoors and conservation. Nominate an individual before the September 10, 2010 deadline. CHAMPIONING THE OUTDOORS To honor a life spent championing the outdoors, Budweiser and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation named the late James D. “Jim” Range of Washington, D.C. the 2010 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year.  This is the 15th consecutive year the award has been presented to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the outdoors and wildlife conservation; this year’s announcement was made at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas.

2010 Conservationist of the Year Jim Range, an avid outdoorsman, was honored as the 2010 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year. View past award winners

Before passing away in early 2009, Range spent his life enhancing the quality of America’s hunting and fishing through his tireless commitment to conservation initiatives.  His vision for the future of the sport and his ability to inspire a similar enthusiasm in others through his words and actions rallied countless supporters for his conservation missions.  Range worked to conserve the Potomac River, establishing the Congressional Casting Call, which later was renamed in his honor.  He played a critical role in the passage of several landmark natural resource laws, including the Clean Water Act.  In 2003, Jim received the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Great Blue Heron Award, the highest honor given by the department to an individual at the national level.

“For the past 15 years, Budweiser has been recognizing leaders in the fields of conservation and wildlife habitat conservation and we are honored to add Jim to our list of distinguished award recipients,” said Bob Fishbeck, Budweiser brand manager, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.  “Jim’s passion for the outdoors, tireless leadership and outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation serve as an inspiration to all of us.  We’re honored to join the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in recognizing Jim and the other finalists participating in our annual Budweiser Conservationist of the Year award program.”