The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) proudly shares the news that the Association's own Ryan Roberts, Senior Program Manager for the National Fish Habitat Partnership, was recognized as the 2025 Conservation Partner of the Year by Bass Pro Shops. Roberts was presented the award by Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist, Johnny Morris, at Bass Pro Shops' annual Christmas luncheon in Springfield, MO. More than 1,000 guests and Outfitters were present at the event in December.
"It's an honor to recognize Ryan for the outstanding work he and the whole team at National Fish Habitat Partnership do to conserve our nation's waterways," said Johnny Morris. "Through more than 1,500 conservation projects across all 50 states, they've helped reconnect thousands of miles of rivers and streams and protected vital habitat. Their efforts are strengthening fisheries and ensuring a brighter future for everyone who loves the outdoors. We're proud to honor Ryan for his passion, hard work, and commitment to conservation."
The Conservation Partner of the Year Award is given to individuals who exemplify the ideals of conservation leadership and complement Bass Pro Shops' mission to inspire people to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors.
"Ryan is a true leader on national issues related to fish habitat conservation and fisheries policy, putting priority conservation projects on-the-ground through partnerships," said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association. "The Association is thrilled to see Ryan honored for his passion in conservation and his work with the National Fish Habitat Partnership to leave a conservation legacy for the protection, restoration and enhancement of fish habitat for future generations to enjoy in the outdoors."
Ron Regan, Executive Director of the Association added "I am so very happy for the due recognition of Ryan's long-standing leadership and vision in support of the National Fish Habitat Partnership. Ryan is the consummate professional, and this recognition by Johnny Morris and the Bass Pro Shops team, validates Ryan's humble service to fisheries conservation."
Past winners of the Bass Pro Shops Conservation Partner of the Year Award include Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation Collin O'Mara, Jeff Trandahl of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; Rob Keck of the National Wild Turkey Federation; Richard Childress of Richard Childress Racing; Sara Parker Pauley, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri Department of Natural Resources; Bob Ziehmer, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation; Ed Carter, Director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency; Dale Hall, CEO of Ducks Unlimited and Director of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services; Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited; Jeff Crane, President and CEO of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation; Becky Humphries, CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation; musicians Huey Lewis and John Anderson, and former Presidents of the United States Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush with First Lady Laura Bush.