American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP), a consortium of 50 of the nation’s leading game conservation organizations and professional wildlife societies, outlined policy priorities and recognized Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris during their summer. The annual event was held last week at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri, and the partners honored Morris for his 50-year commitment to conservation through Bass Pro. In addition, the partners released a mid-term review of progress made on the recommendations of Wildlife for the 21st Century: Volume 6 (W21) with specific priorities that still need to be met.
“We are pleased that American Wildlife Conservation Partners was able to recognize Johnny Morris for his invaluable support of conservation over the 50 years since he founded Bass Pro Shops,” said Tony A. Schoonen, CEO of the Boone and Crockett Club and current president. from AWCP. “Thanks to John’s generosity, all of our organizations have been able to fulfill our conservation missions and help maintain our hunting legacy.”
The plaque presented to Morris and his wife, Jeanie, thanked “Johnny Morris, the Morris Family and the Bass Pro Shops for their unwavering support of conservation over the past five decades, not only in North America but around the world, along with his leadership on critical issues affecting American athletes and outdoor enthusiasts across the country.”
“It is with pride and humility that I accept this honor on behalf of our entire team of passionate shipowners and our fellow athletes whom we are blessed to serve. Conservation is at the heart of Bass Pro Shops. For the past 50 years, it has been a great honor to stand with North American hunters and anglers to support the work of our conservation partners, many of whom make up the AWCP,” said Johnny Morris. “Our shared honor lies in having the opportunity to stand alongside sportspeople and athletes to make the future brighter for wild animals and the wild places that give us all so much. Together we are making a positive difference for the preservation and future of our sporting heritage.”
During the AWCP meeting, the partners also released a mid-term report outlining what has been achieved from the identified priorities within 2020. W21 report and highlighting what still needs to be achieved. The document celebrates conservation victories, including the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the American Conservation Enhancement Act, and other laws or administrative actions that have implemented key recommendations. that were offered by the sports community before the presidential election. choice. It also outlines other priorities, including the America’s Wildlife Recovery Act, which finalizes a solution to the Cottonwood court ruling that is standing in the way of proactive forest management projects, the need to finalize legislation to improve research and management of chronic debilitating diseases, and more. This is the first time the groups have issued a midterm report to guide the second half of a presidential term.
“The American Wildlife Conservation Partners have completed six editions of Wildlife for the 21st century since the association was formed in 2000 and each has established a roadmap for actions to improve conservation and hunting opportunities,” Schoonen concluded. “We hope that our first midterm report will provide appropriate recognition for what has been achieved while also highlighting the work that still needs to be done.”