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From North Carolina Wildlife Federation

On May 3, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation will host the 60th Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards in Cary, NC. Honorees for 2025 include agency professionals, elected officials, volunteers and organizations committed to North Carolina’s wildlife, habitat and natural resources. 

“The stunning variety of North Carolina’s wildlife and wild places is only matched by the commitment to conservation evident in our award winners,” said T. Edward Nickens, NCWF awards committee chair. “We are always amazed at the people we discover who have gone above and beyond to work for conservation. This year’s slate of honorees is yet another example of the deep love North Carolinians have for the natural world, and their steadfast hard work on behalf of the birds, fish, wildlife, parks, forests, beaches and waterways that enrich our lives.”

These annual awards provide a platform to highlight inspiring wildlife conservation efforts across North Carolina, with the goal of encouraging active participation in safeguarding the state’s natural resources for the well-being of future generations.

In total, there are 19 Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award Recipients including Washington’s Benjamin McNinch “Mac” Currin who will be presented with Marine Resource Conservationist of the Year. 

Mac Currin, a dedicated North Carolinian, has spent a lifetime studying, understanding, and managing the fishery resources of North Carolina and the South Atlantic. With a long career spanning decades, including 16 years at NCSU, and serving as a biologist for the state’s Outer Continental Shelf Office, Mac has become an influential voice in fishery science and conservation. He served three terms as a Commissioner on the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission and as a representative on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, where he consistently advocated for science-based, conservative fishery management practices. Even in retirement, Mac remains actively engaged in conservation efforts, including his ongoing involvement in the NC Coastal Conservation Association and the NC Wildlife Federation, as well as his participation in legal actions to protect public trust responsibilities for fishery resources.

The following awards will be presented alongside Currin:

Conservationist of the Year – Cameron Ingram (Climax)

Wildlife Conservationist of the Year – Anton Michael “Mike” Wicker (Pinehurst)

Sporting Family of the Year – Matt, John, and Sarah Barringer (Gold Hill)

Land Conservationist of the Year – Amy and Ruth Ann Grissom (Charlotte)

Water Conservationist of the Year – Coastal Carolina Riverwatch (Morehead City)

Forest Conservationist of the Year – Robert Thomas (Thonotosassa, FL)

Young Conservationist of the Year – Deja Perkins (Raleigh)

Environmental Educator of the Year – Dr. Clyde Sorenson (Raleigh)

Conservation Organization of the Year – Triangle Land Conservancy (Durham)

Legislator of the Year – Representative Steve Ross (Alamance)

Business Conservationist of the Year – Carolina Native Nursery (Burnsville)

Natural Resources Scientist of the Year – Bryn Tracy (Apex)

Wildlife Volunteer of the Year – Dr. Jin Bai (Durham)

Public Lands Conservationist of the Year – Marquette Crockett (Asheville)

NCWF Chapter of the Year – NCWF Wildlife Habitat Stewards of Northeastern NC Chapter (Elizabeth City)

NCWF Affiliate of the Year – Gardening for Wildlife Committee, Cape Fear Garden Club (Wilmington)

Wildlife Enforcement Officer of the Year – Master Officer Eric Crouse (Ronda)

Marine Patrol Officer of the Year – Officer Candace Rose (Seven Springs)