WHSRN-USA Committee

The WHSRN-USA Committee Site Award is given to a WHSRN Network Site or Landscape within the United States for outstanding work towards ongoing conservation and management of the site for shorebirds.

Outstanding work is defined by the following criteria:

1. Active management and preservation of shorebird habitat:  Developed and implemented strategies or actions to enhance protections or restore key habitats at the site. Documentation of these  actions in a conservation plan or similar document would be desirable.
2. Education and outreach: Interaction with the public has been enhanced (e.g., in terms of number of visitors to the site or numbers of people/groups engaged offsite; education and outreach programs have been substantially expanded or enhanced to improve a) site access, b) awareness of shorebirds and their habitats, c) educational materials for all ages and cultural perspectives of the local community, d)  involvement of new and unique partnerships since designation.
3. Monitoring program:  There is robust monitoring program (using biologists or volunteers) to gather key information that can be used to a) help assess shorebird populations regionally, b) assess use of the designated site, or c) assess response of shorebirds to management or restoration actions at the site.  The way monitoring data is reported back out to participants, decision-makers and the public  is relevant  and should be described in the nomination.
4. Partner Collaboration. Partner involvement will be considered an advantage to the nomination. Partner involvement is considered key to the current and future success of these sites. Any partner participation in the above three categories should be addressed in the nomination.

Nominations may be made by any person or organization that has knowledge of the site or landscape. The actions within the four categories should be post designation and be current and ongoing. Sites will ideally be engaged in more then one criteria. Awards will recognize the entire site and all partners.

Nominations accepted from January 17 — March 18.

Submit nominations electronically to Chair of WHSRN-USA Committee, Robert Penner 

The WHSRN-USA Committee will review nominations and select the awardee. Award will be presented annually each spring.