Burning in the Flint Hills on Moxley Ranch

Senator Carolyn McGinn Awarded KWF Conservation Legislator of the Year

TOPEKA – Kansas State Senator Carolyn McGinn, R - Sedgwick, was awarded Conservation Legislator of the Year by the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Saturday evening at its 2009 Conservation Achievement Program Banquet. The banquet was part of KWF’s 2010 Annual Meeting held Feb. 26 and 27 at the Clarion Hotel in Manhattan, Kan.

McGinn, who was on hand to receive the award, said, "Receiving this recognition is extremely rewarding. I appreciate the work of the KWF, and to receive this honor from them means a great deal. We are stewards of this land and its bountiful resources, and I am grateful to be able to play a small role in that effort. I want to thank KWF for this meaningful award, and I will continue to strive to be deserving of it."

McGinn was nominated for the award by Chris Tymeson, Chief Legal Counsel for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. In his nomination, Tymeson wrote, "...Senator McGinn has played a vital role in virtually every piece of major wildlife, parks or boating legislation that has passed since 2005, including the Wildlife Violator Compact, a major revision of boating laws, a major revision of deer laws, the enactment of dangerous captive wildlife laws and many other countless laws.  Senator McGinn is an excellent candidate for this special recognition."

KWF calls for nominations for its Conservation Achievement Program (CAP) Awards each fall. The awards are given annually to individuals or groups actively involved in programs to conserve the environment and promote environmental education and outreach. Honors are bestowed upon individuals or groups who have made special efforts in the areas of land and soil conservation, youth conservation, conservation communication, conservation education, wildlife conservation, water conservation, conservation legislator, conservation farmer/rancher, forestry conservation, stream team conservation, outdoor skills and conservation organization. Awards are not necessarily given in every category every year.