AFWA presents Lifetime Achievement Award to DU’s Dr. Karen Waldrop

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Sept. 25, 2024 – The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies on Tuesday awarded Ducks Unlimited Chief Conservation Officer Dr. Karen Waldrop its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her expertise and passion for natural resources conservation.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science-based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual who has supported AFWA and helped the advancement of the AFWA agenda and natural resource conservation in their own organization or agency.

Waldrop joined Ducks Unlimited in 2019, furthering a career dedicated to improving natural resources for wildlife to thrive and outdoors enthusiasts to enjoy.

“As a young child my parents instilled in me a love of the outdoors, through fishing, camping and hiking. My career has been an extension of this passion, and I’m humbled to receive this recognition,” Waldrop said. “Conservation is a team sport. I’m who I am today because of the friends, mentors and colleagues who helped me every step of the way. I couldn’t be more proud of what our Ducks Unlimited team of staff, volunteers and supporters has achieved.”

As Chief Conservation Officer, Waldrop leads a team of 400 staff who deliver wetlands and waterfowl conservation efforts across all 50 states. Ducks Unlimited restores, enhances and protects wetlands and grasslands to benefit waterfowl populations. This tangible work also benefits fish and other wetland-dependent plants and animals, as well as communities through improved water quality and storm resiliency.

Waldrop has led marked growth in this mission. In Fiscal Year 2024, Ducks Unlimited delivered more than 1 million acres of conservation in a single year for the first time. One million acres of conservation - about the area of Rhode Island - includes long-term and permanent projects, such as conservation restorations and easements, and short-term or annual efforts, such as agricultural cover crop programs, as well as new and revisited project sites.

“Since 2019, Karen has overseen 3.4 million acres of wetlands conservation across the United States. Her passion for natural resources not only aligns perfectly with the goals of AFWA but have also set a benchmark for excellence in our industry,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “But Karen’s true strength happens every day in DU’s hallways and project sites, where she shares boundless enthusiasm with her staff. Her support and leadership energize a team to do incredible work that is leaving a lasting legacy in natural areas across the United States and throughout North America.”

Prior to Ducks Unlimited, Waldrop spent 20 years at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, starting as a graduate student and lead researcher for the state’s elk restoration program. She progressed to leadership roles including Wildlife Division Director and then Deputy Commissioner.

Waldrop has contributed her time and leadership to numerous national wildlife and conservation efforts, including:

• North American Wetlands Conservation Council (present)
• Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act Advisory Group (present)
• National Conservation Leadership Institute Board of Directors (present)
• North American Bird Conservation Initiative
• National Deer Association
• Mississippi Flyway Council
• White-nose Syndrome Executive Committee
• AFWA Committees/Working Groups

The award was presented in Madison, Wisc. at the AFWA Annual Meeting.

“Each year, the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies honors individuals and organizations for their exemplary commitment to conservation stewardship through its prestigious Annual Awards Program,” said Ron Regan, executive director of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “These awards recognize career achievements and passion for advancing fish and wildlife conservation at national scales. The Association wishes to congratulate and applauds this years’ award recipients and for the contributions of these conservation leaders.”

Waldrop earned her Ph.D. in Wildlife Biology/Forest Sciences from Clemson University and both her Master of Science degree in Wildlife Biology/Forest Resources and Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources from the University of Georgia.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 18 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.

Media Contact:

Chris Sebastian

(734) 649-4680

csebastian@ducks.org