Contributed

Three Rivers Land Trust, based in Salisbury and covering Stanly County, was named Land Conservationist of the Year by the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.

The announcement comes as part of the 56th Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards.

The North Carolina Wildlife Federation first presented its conservation awards in 1958.

“Each year we are amazed at the commitment and creativity of North Carolina citizens in protecting wildlife and wild places,” T. Edward Nickens, NCWF awards committee chairman, said. “Many of our award winners tell us their Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award represents the high point of their career, whether they are full-time scientists or full-time volunteer
conservationists.”

Award winners are nominated by the citizens of North Carolina and decided upon by a
committee of scientists, environmental educators and conservation activists.

“This awards program brings together a remarkably diverse group of conservationists to highlight the good news about wildlife conservation in North Carolina,” Nickens said. “Our primary focus is to applaud and honor these people who work so hard for wildlife and the air, water, land, that they
and all of us depend on.”

Award winners including the wildlife enforcement and marine patrol officers of the year will be
honored at a banquet Sept. 7 in Cary.