U.S. Forest Service, Regional Forester, Kent Connaughton presented an Honor Award to Douglas H. Grann, President & CEO of Wildlife Forever during the 24th Annual Eastern Region Honor Awards Ceremony recognizing Wildlife Forever's invasive species Threat Campaign.

Kent Connaughton stated: "Through partnership with the Eastern Region, Wildlife Forever launched the "Threat Campaign" effectively spreading the anti-invasive species message to recreational users. It is my pleasure to present this Honor Award for helping to connect our citizens to the land".

The Award recognized the Campaign's efficiency wherein Wildlife Forever and partners generated more than 382 million impressions of exposure, reaching 1,000 people with every $1 invested.

According to Grann, "We are honored to receive the "Connect Citizens to the Land" Award on behalf of the "Threat Campaign" partnership. As with all educational outreach efforts, partnerships are the key to success. By calling upon the 42.5 million U.S. residents who hunt and fish, our team is making a difference through education and that is a success in the battle against invasive species."

Connaughton pointed out, "This campaign partnership is working because anglers and boaters have seen first-hand the devastating effects of invasive species and are willing to work to prevent their spread. This campaign is arming tens of millions of would-be foot soldiers with a clear, effective message-inspect, clean and drain-and it's no surprise they are responding!"

Wildlife Forever teamed up with a diverse array of partners that all have a common goal of stopping the spread of invasive species: U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sea Grant Minnesota & Wisconsin, North American Fisherman Television and the Department of Natural Resources for the states of Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, The National Park Service, Departments of Natural Resources from Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations, Sportsman's Club of Lake Vermillion.

Examples of the outreach media and messages along with reports detailing the results can be found on the Wildlife Forever web site at Invasive Species Central.

Media Contact:
Pat Conzemius (763) 253-0222 or pconzemius@wildlifeforever.org