Budweiser Invites Adults to Help Choose 2012 Conservationist of the Year

Budweiser and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) are asking adults across the nation to help choose the 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year.  For the 18th consecutive year, Budweiser and NFWF have partnered to highlight individuals who are making lasting contributions in wildlife conservation.  

“Budweiser has a long history of supporting organizations and individuals who are actively making a difference to conserve and protect wetlands, wildlife and the environment,” said Bob Fishbeck, senior manager from the Budweiser brands.  “We want to encourage adults to visit our Web site and not only vote for their favorite nominee, but learn more about the organizations they represent and the great work they are doing to help preserve our wildlife resources.”

Consumers can vote for one of the award’s four finalists by visiting Budweiser.com by Jan. 6.  This year’s nominees are Fred Bryant of Kingsville, Texas; Don R. Johnson of Festus, Mo.; Bill D’Alonzo of Greenville, Del. and David Ramsey of Unicoi, Tenn.  Each nominee is profiled on Budweiser.com.  The top choice for the 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year selects a conservation organization to receive a single $50,000 grant from Budweiser and NFWF to support their priority conservation projects; the runners-up each will choose a conservation organization to receive a $5,000 grant.

 “We want to congratulate each of the finalists in this year’s Budweiser Conservationist of the Year program,” said Jeff Trandahl,executive director, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.  “Each of these individuals has an impressive track record in helping to preserve wildlife and promote conservation in their communities and around the country.”

The 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year will be formally recognized on Jan. 18, 2012, during the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas.

A nonprofit organization established by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation sustains, restores and enhances the nation’s fish and wildlife.  By teaming leadership conservation investments with those of public and private partners, the Foundation maximizes measurable conservation benefits. Since its establishment, the Foundation has awarded 11,600 grants to more than 3,800 organizations in the United States and abroad, while leveraging more than $576 million in federal funds into $2.05 billion for conservation.  For more information, visit www.nfwf.org.

2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year Nominee Bios

 Bill D’Alonzo

At the age of 14, Bill D’Alonzo’s passion for hunting drove him to become a member of Ducks Unlimited.  Over the years, Bill’s passion has grown in his roles as a volunteer, national committee member, state treasurer and senior VP for business planning. Today, Bill’s credo of practicing what he preaches continues to drive his commitment to conservation.  Whether it is the 20 managed habitats that he established or the hundreds of acres of native grasses, shrubs and small grain crops he’s planted, Bill’s belief in the power of conservation continues to make an impact across Delaware and beyond.

David Ramsey

David Ramsey has used his passion for his native Appalachian Mountains and his photographic, writing and public speaking skills to inspire Americans to get involved in conservation.  For many years, he has taken his message to countless civic groups, conservation organizations, schools, sporting groups and just about “anyone else who would listen.”  David’s greatest conservation achievement culminated this year.  He spearheaded the successful 15-year push to save the extraordinary Rocky Fork Watershed from development and convert it to protected public ownership.  At 10,000 acres, Rocky Fork was the largest remaining unprotected mountain tract in the eastern United States.

Fred Bryant

Fred Bryant’s 34-year history of advancing conservation stretches from Canada to the Andes of Peru.  But nowhere is it more apparent than the many places wild elk roam across North America.  Fred’s work with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has protected over 85,000 acres of habitat in the last year alone.  But the RMEF is just one aspect of Fred’s tireless commitment to conservation. Fred has also worked with Taking Care of Texas, the Boone and Crockett Club, and many other conservation organizations. And as an author, speaker and professor of range and wildlife management at Texas Tech University and the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Fred has taught thousands of students to share his passion for the outdoors.

Don R. Johnson

As a lifelong hunter and angler – and as president of the Conservation Federation of Missouri and commissioner of the Missouri Department of Conservation – Don R. Johnson has always been an ambassador for the outdoors.  In his role as president of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Don has been heavily involved in recruiting and educating thousands of Missourians through the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC).  In the past, Don’s company has provided free transportation by flying CLC participants to national meetings.  Today, over 100 students participate in the program and it has received national recognition in wildlife conservation circles.  Don has also defended the principles of conservation before the legislature, helping to ensure a bright future for hunters and anglers of all ages.