The Award of Merit was first presented in 1984. This award is given annually to an AFS member for a unique or special contribution involving service above and beyond the normal call of duty.
Past Award Winners
- 2022-2023
- Jessica Buelow, Idaho Fish and Game
- 2021-2022
- Dan Dauwalter, Trout Unlimited
- 2020-2021
- Deborah Hart, SE Alaska Fish Habitat Partnership
- 2019-2020
- Helen Neville, Trout Unlimited
- 2018-2019
- Ron Pierce (MT)
- 2017-2018
- Steve Cramer
- 2016-2017
- Jim Reynolds (AK)
- 2015-2016
- Scott Hamelberg (CA)
- 2012-2013
- Mary Buckman, Secretary-Treasurer of the Division
- 2011-2012
- Julie Meka Carter (AZ)
- 2010-2011
- Philip A Loring (AK); Vaughn Paragamian (ID); Alicia Seesholtz (CA/NV)
- 2009-2010
- Not Awarded
- 2008-2009
- Leanne Roulson and Jim Tilmant
- 2007-2008
- No nominations
- 2005-2006
- Mark Gorges
- 2003-2004
- Dave Lentz and George Guillan
- 2002-2003
- Bill Bradshaw and Bruce May
- 2001-2002
- Ron Remmick (AFS, Wyoming)
- 2000-2001
- Brad Shepard
- 1999-2000
- James Lichatowich; Carl Burger
- 1998-1999
- Dirk Miller, Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- 1997-1998
- 1996-1997
- Almo Cordone, California Department of Fish and Game; William A. Dill, California Department of Fish and Game
- 1995-1996
- Jim Martin, Office of the Governor or Oregon; Jennifer Nielsen, Hopkins Marine Station
- 1994-1995
- Christine Moffitt, Judd Monroe
- 1993-1994
- Chris Clancy, Montana Chapter AFS; Jerry Burton, Arizona-New Mexico Chapter AFS; Errol Claire, Oregon
- 1992-1993
- Pat Higgins, Humboldt; Bob Lea, California Fish and Game
- 1991-1992
- W.R. Meehan; Jack Williams; Willa Nehlsen; Jim Lichatowich; Morgan Busby
- 1990-1991
- Brad Shepard; Greg Kindschi; Roger Ovink; Susan Broderick; Bill Bakke; Rolland Schmitten; Chuck Knutson; Ken Hashagen
- 1989-1990
- Bruce E. Rieman and Bert Bowler
- 1988-1989
- Northwest Power Planning Council, Robert Auger and Montana Land Reliance
- 1987-1988
- 1986-1987
- Donald M. Martin, “Going the Extra Mile Award”
- 1985-1986
- Dan Barrett, David Cross, Ellen Gleason
- 1984-1985
- William H. Geer, Barry Nehring, Dr. Daniel Mulcahy
- 1983-1984
- Dr. Carl Bond
