Tennessee Wildlife Resources Executive Director Ed Carter has received the honor of being named the Bass Pro Shops Conservation Partner of the Year.
The TWRA executive director received the award which was presented by Bass Pro founder and CEO Johnny Morris at Bass Pro’s annual Christmas luncheon in Springfield, MO. More than 2,000 guests and employees were present at the event.
Carter was praised by Morris for his many years of service and the success of wildlife agencies. Carter recently completed a term as president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AWFA), representing all the state wildlife agencies.
Although the award is called the Conservation Partner of the Year, it is not presented on an annual basis. Previous winners of the prestigious honor included former presidents George Bush and Jimmy Carter, and Colin O’Mara, president of the National Wildlife Federation. The most recent recipient was Fred Smith, president and CEO of FedEx.
Since joining TWRA in 1972, Carter’s career has been marked by outstanding accomplishments. He has been a positive force in the management and conservation of fish and wildlife, their habitats, and public involvement in the outdoors.
Earlier this fall, Carter received the Seth Gordon, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) top honor. The Seth Gordon Award is for lifetime achievement in conserving North America’s natural resources in the public trust and contributing to the programs of the Association. Other honors for Carter include the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Meritorious Award, “Environmental Hero,” recognition from the Tennessee State Legislature for meritorious service to the State of Tennessee, induction into the National Boating Safety Hall of Fame by the National Safe Boating Council and selection to the TWRA Hunter Education Hall of Fame.
