Each year, the Intermountain West Joint Venture recognizes individuals and organizations who are doing excellent habitat conservation work around the region. The following awards were presented at the IWJV fall 2025 management board meeting. For a list of past award winners, click here.
Congressman Mike simpson, Idaho
Conservation Policy Champion Award presented by the IWJV’s Government Relations Team during a hill visit in September 2025
The IWJV staff recognized Mr. Simpson with the IWJV 2024 Conservation Policy Champion Award for his contributions to natural resource conservation in the Intermountain West, in alignment with the goals, objectives, and priorities of the IWJV. Mr. Simpson’s support of private landowners, agriculture, natural resources, and public lands closely aligns with the IWJV’s commitment to ensuring that federal funding continues to be implemented in a way that benefits western communities and livelihoods. We extend deep gratitude for Mr. Simpson’s long-standing commitment to conservation and addressing these issues that improve the lives of people in Idaho and throughout the West!
Senator martin Heinrich, new mexico
Conservation Policy Champion Award presented by the IWJV’s Government Relations Team during a hill visit in September 2025
The IWJV is honored to recognize Mr. Heinrich as the recipient of the 2024 Conservation Policy Champion Award for his exceptional leadership in advancing natural resource conservation throughout the Intermountain West. His enduring advocacy for collaborative conservation, support of Joint Ventures, and dedication to private landowners, agriculture, and public lands have been instrumental in strengthening western communities and ecosystems. We sincerely thank him for his decades of commitment to sustaining the landscapes and livelihoods that define the West.
Adrienne Hoskins
Conservation Partner Award presented by the IWJV’s Communications Team
The IWJV Communications Team is proud to present the 2024 Conservation Partner Award for Communications to Adrienne Hoskins for her outstanding contribution to the Bureau of Land Management’s Outcome-Based Grazing Authorizations (OBGA). Adrienne played a key role in developing impactful communication products from public video series to internal training tools that helped explain what OBGA means for ranchers, land, and communities. Adrienne stepped seamlessly into roles as project manager and storyteller; her dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit elevated every aspect of the effort. We’re grateful for her partnership and thrilled to recognize her with this well-earned award.
Daly Edmunds
Conservation Partner Award presented by the IWJV’s Communications Team
Daly Edmund’s (Audubon Rockies) leadership, passion, and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in elevating communications that give voice to the sagebrush ecosystem and the people working to conserve it. After the 2015 Greater Sage-grouse decision, she helped launch SageWest, a thriving network that connects communicators and conservationists across the West to share stories, ideas, and inspiration. Her dedication also helped bring the Storyteller’s Circle workshop to life as an engaging, place-based event that strengthened connections among conservation communicators and deepened their storytelling skills. Through her vision and commitment, Daly has built lasting partnerships and momentum for sagebrush conservation, making her a truly deserving recipient of this year’s award.
JOE moore
Conservation Partner Award presented by the IWJV’s Operations Team
Joe Moore (Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever) has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, accuracy, and professionalism in his role as Grant Administration Director, often going above and beyond to ensure efficient financial processes in managing agreements that are fundamental to the IWJV sagebrush program. We are pleased to recognize Joe for his exceptional proficiency and dedication in managing grants and agreements. Beyond numbers and agreements, Joe has supported the IWJV team with a quiet commitment and has proven to be an indispensable asset for several years.
Southwest montana sagebrush partnership
Conservation Partner Award presented by the IWJV’s Sagebrush Team
The Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership (SMSP) is being recognized for its outstanding leadership in conserving and restoring the sagebrush ecosystem through collaborative, landscape-scale efforts. SMSP has implemented innovative, science based strategies to ensure the long term sustainability of sagebrush habitats and the species that depend on them. The group’s commitment to adaptive management, monitoring, and community engagement exemplifies effective, lasting stewardship across diverse partnerships. SMSP’s model of collaboration, innovation, and dedication serves as an inspiration for sagebrush conservation efforts across the West.
Al Eiden
Conservation Partner Award presented by the IWJV’s Sagebrush Team
Al Eiden (Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever) is being recognized for his exceptional leadership, vision, and enduring commitment to conserving, restoring, and sustaining sagebrush ecosystems across the West. Over the past six years, Al has united partners to build the Sage Capacity Team, a groundbreaking network of 25 conservation specialists advancing large-scale habitat restoration. His collaborative approach has driven over $50 million in on the ground projects that combat invasive species, reduce wildfire risks, and restore vital sagebrush and riparian habitats. Through his dedication, partnership, and innovation, Al’s dedication and innovation has set a standard for collaborative conservation and inspired a legacy of stewardship across the sagebrush landscape.
imagine
Conservation Partner Award presented by the IWJV’s Science to Implementation Team
The University of Wyoming’s Institute for Managing Annual Grasses Invading Natural Ecosystems (IMAGINE) is being recognized for its outstanding leadership in translating cutting edge science into practical, on-the-ground solutions for rangeland conservation. Through co-produced research, outreach, and education, IMAGINE empowers landowners and managers to effectively address the growing threat of invasive annual grasses across the sagebrush biome. The group’s Tech Transfer Partnership provides actionable tools, training, and tailored support to local collaboratives, resulting in tangible restoration successes across hundreds of thousands of acres in Wyoming. Under the leadership of Brian Mealor (pictured left), IMAGINE exemplifies innovation, collaboration, and impact in bridging science and implementation for lasting ecosystem resilience.
