Former AZGFD Director Ty Gray and WAFWA Ecosystem and Grassland Coordinator Bill Van Pelt also recognized

Commissioners overseeing the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) — Clay Hernandez, Marsha Petrie Sue, Jeff Buchanan, Jim Goughnour, and Kurt Kerr — proudly accepted the prestigious 2025 Commission of the Year Award from the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) during its summer conference June 2-6 in Provo, Utah.

The award recognizes the commission’s exemplary leadership, innovation, and steadfast commitment to wildlife conservation in establishing policy for AZGFD and working with agency leadership to provide guidance and oversight.

WAFWA, which represents 23 western states and Canadian provinces, promotes collaborative, science-based strategies to conserve and manage fish and wildlife across the western region of North America.

Arizona’s commission was honored for its proactive conservation efforts, public engagement, and forward-thinking policies that support sustainable wildlife populations and habitats. Remarkably, the commission oversees the conservation of more than 800 wildlife species without receiving state tax dollars, highlighting its effective self-funded model.

”This honor reflects the hard work and shared vision of the entire commission,” said Commissioner Marsha Petrie Sue. “We are deeply committed to conserving Arizona’s wildlife heritage for future generations.”

In addition to the commission’s award, former Arizona Game and Fish Department Director Ty Gray received WAFWA’s Honorary Lifetime Membership Award, recognizing his impactful leadership and dedication that elevated the department’s visibility and effectiveness during his tenure. Gray served as director from 2017 until his retirement in late 2024.

AZGFD’s Bill Van Pelt, who serves as WAFWA’s ecosystem and grassland coordinator, received the President’s Award for his conservation efforts for various grassland species, including prairie dogs, ferrets, swift foxes, and lesser prairie chickens. His focus is on effective conservation plans that provide information on habitat and species to inform listing efforts.

The WAFWA Awards Ceremony honors conservation professionals from the western states, territories and provinces for their exemplary commitment to conservation stewardship.