About

The next ACE Award for Conservation Excellence will be in 2020 and we will begin accepting applications approximately in June of 2018. We will post the information and links on this page to apply.

Banovich Wildscapes Foundation and Southeastern Wildlife Exposition present
AWARD for CONSERVATION EXCELLENCE (ACE)
sponsored by Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, the Cabela Family Foundation & Bass Pro Shops

ACE is a non-profit award rewarding and acknowledging exceptional contributors to wildlife conservation.

The Banovich Wildscapes Foundation and Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) are pleased to present the first Award for Conservation Excellence (ACE). The Award, sponsored by Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Cabela Family Foundation and Bass Pro Shops, recognizes the enormous contributions of Jim Cabela and Dick and Mary Cabela - extraordinary conservationists and entrepreneurs. The Award for Conservation Excellence was created to recognize the exceptional contributions made by some of the world’s leading conservationists and is intended to become the most significant award in the conservation arena.

The mission of ACE is to honor and appreciate a legacy of conservation through recognition of men and women who share their passion to conserve the great outdoors, and have made extraordinary contributions to the sustainability of nature and wildlife. The Award will recognize a conservationist’s long-term commitment to making our planet a better place, and empower people in both local and international communities to advance wildlife conservation. The first ACE Award will be presented at a premier awards ceremony during the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition February 14, 2018 at the Gaillard Center in Charleston, SC.

OVERVIEW

Many of the world’s leading conservationists, biologists and scientists are working tirelessly in the field of conservation to save the world’s remaining species. These unsung heroes dedicate their lives to the preservation of flora and fauna, often working in remote, unforgiving wilderness areas under extreme and challenging conditions. In committing to this lifelong journey, they often subject themselves to what some might consider a vow of poverty. With their astute minds and diligent work ethic, they could potentially be the top earners in private industry had they not chosen the unheralded work of the nonprofit world. Instead they are driven by their passion for saving wildlife and making the world a better place.

Today, there seems to be a large public chasm between the hunter/sportsman conservation world and the non-hunting environmental/conservation world; in some circles this disconnect is widening. Banovich Wildscapes Foundation, with support from Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) hopes that the ACE will not only acknowledge and honor an outstanding individual working for conservation, but will create an awareness of the need for everyone to work together to protect and preserve the earth’s wild places and wildlife.

FIRST ACE AWARD CEREMONY OVERVIEW

The first ACE ceremony will honor the world’s leading conservationists and provide sponsors and guests the opportunity to experience gourmet cuisine and world-class entertainment. Five finalists will be chosen and the First place winner will be awarded a $100,000 cash prize (donated by Cabela's Outdoor Fund and the Cabela Family Foundation) and a $5,000 Cabela’s gift certificate. Four finalists will receive a $5,000 Cabelas Gift Certificate and a $5,000 cash reward (donated by Bass Pro Shops).

Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Venue: Gaillard Center

Application Submissions for the 2018 Award Ceremony are CLOSED... The applications are currently being reviewed by the Judges. Please check back for our next submission deadlines for the 2020 ACE Award.

"The Award for Conservation Excellence brings a critical focus to the world’s dedicated conservationists, and the common ground shared by sportsmen and conservationists. Historically, responsible hunters and fishermen were the first conservationists in all cultures around the world, and today responsible sportsmen contribute significantly to game and fish management and research. This award honors the basic science and conservation upon which modern wildlife management is based. When sportsmen, scientists, and conservationists act together we comprise an enormous constituency that can protect public lands, habitat, and fish and wildlife populations."
Dr. Frank Lance Craighead, Craighead Institute

DOWNLOAD ACE AWARD SUMMARY PDF
DOWNLOAD ACE AWARD CEREMONY & WINNERS PRESS RELEASE

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE ACE
Your support in any amount will go directly to support awareness of our conservation heroes.

Banovich Wildscapes Foundation thanks its presenting partner and host Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. A new tradition in conservation could not have happened with out the sponsors, attendees, speakers, presenters and numerous people who gave their valuable time to honor the 2018 ACE Award for Conservation nominees.

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