2026 RMS Awards Nominations due March 9

It’s time to nominate candidates for our awards. The River Management Society recognizes outstanding individuals and achievements in four categories:

• River Manager of the Year (RMS Members only)
• Outstanding Contribution to River Management (open to all)
• Outstanding Contribution to the River Management Society Award (RMS Members only)
• Frank Church Wild and Scenic Rivers Award (open to all)

Please nominate persons who deserve to be recognized for their work and contributions to managing our rivers and developing our organization. If you submitted a nomination in the past and your nominee was not selected that year, you are encouraged to update and resubmit the nomination. Nominations may be submitted online or emailed to RMS Secretary Helen Clough at hcloughak[at]gmail.com.

Receiving this award from RMS - an organization that I believe does such vital work for river people and has meant so much to me for over 20 years - was deeply meaningful. I am truly honored for this recognition and to be included with the past recipients who I have admired and seen as mentors.

Liz Lacy, National Park Service, 2025 Recipient of the Frank Church Wild and Scenic Rivers Award

Awards and Criteria:

Outstanding Contribution to River Management Award (open to all)

This award recognizes a longer history of contributions to the greater field of river management (as opposed to more recent or project/location-specific accomplishments). Consider longer-term and broader impacts in areas such as those listed below; nominees are expected to contribute in at least two of these areas.

• Advanced the field of river management through contributions in areas such as science, education, interpretation, research, and/or law enforcement;
• Developed innovative (or creatively adapted) river management techniques;
• Organized conferences/meetings that advanced river management as a science and as a profession;
• Developed or implemented new communication techniques to coordinate and connect managers;
• Provided opportunities for increased awareness by citizens and river visitors regarding their role in caring for rivers and watersheds; and/or
• Was an outstanding advocate for professional river management.

Frank Church Wild and Scenic Rivers Award (open to all)

This award recognizes contributions focused on the management, enhancement, or protection of designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. As with the Outstanding Contribution to River Management, this award recognizes a history of contributions with a broad geographic scope (as opposed to more recent or project/location-specific accomplishments). Consider longer-term and broader impacts in areas such as those listed below; nominees are expected to contribute in at least two of these areas.

• Advanced awareness of WSRs through contributions in areas such as education, research, technology, training, public contact, interpretation, law enforcement;
• Worked effectively and cooperatively to build partnerships with other agencies, scientists, user groups, private landowners, and/or general public to promote, protect, enhance, or manage WSRs;
• Demonstrated, developed, or creatively adapted innovative WSR management techniques;
• Organized conferences, training, etc., which involved and advanced WSRs;
• Exhibited leadership in promoting and protecting WSRs within the context of the established corridors and beyond designated lines on a map; and/or
• Worked to improve managing agency process, budget, and/or support for wild and scenic river programs.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Award was a surprise as I didn't think I had put in enough years to deserve it yet. However, the recognition for my dedication to expanding the understanding of this important law and system it supports both in the US and abroad through research, advocacy, and teaching made me proud. It's not often that people are recognized for their hard work and dedication. I look forward to seeing who joins the previous award winners in receiving this high honor this year. 

Dr. Denielle Perry, Northern Arizona University, 2023 Recipient of the Frank Church Wild and Scenic Rivers Award 

River Manager of the Year Award (RMS Members)

This award recognizes contributions that are field-oriented and location-specific, with a focus on recent accomplishments. If a nomination is submitted for someone with a longer tenure, only more recent accomplishments will be considered (up to past 3 years). An individual with a longer history or broader scope of accomplishments might be more appropriate for the Contribution to River Management Award. The committee will consider contributions “on the river” (field-oriented, technician level) and at the managerial or supervisory level (involving policy, planning, and program development). Consider contributions in areas such as those listed below; nominees are expected to contribute in at least two of these areas.

• Provided leadership in promoting and protecting natural, cultural, or recreational resources;
• Worked effectively and cooperatively with other agencies, user groups, private landowners, and/or general public;
• Established or re-established key partnerships to protect and manage the river corridor;
• Created an effective, professional, and enjoyable working environment;
• Worked to protect one or more rivers within the context of their watershed and beyond designated lines on a map;
• Created and established new and innovative approaches to river management, advancing the field and creating new enthusiasm; and/or
• Shows strong dedication and commitment towards advancing and improving river management into the future.

Outstanding Contribution to the River Management Society Award (RMS Members)

This award recognizes contributions to the success of the River Management Society. It recognizes contributions at the national or regional level that result in greater organizational effectiveness, efficiency, growth, positive change, or enthusiasm. The award focuses on impact on the organization as a whole, rather than a particular length of service. lease consider contributions in areas such as those listed below; nominees are expected to contribute in at least two of these areas.

• Exceptional contribution to national policy, planning, and program development that brings recognition to RMS as a leader among river and / or professional organizations;
• Demonstrated leadership within RMS that has created sustainable positive change;
• Donated considerable time, money, or effort that has resulted in advancement of RMS as a unique and robust institution;
• Brought new and positive private and public awareness of the RMS;
• Increased membership substantially;
• Developed or located new sources of funding or resources for the RMS; and/or
• Provided exemplary service to the RMS through an elected office.

Please help us honor some of our amazing colleagues by nominating them for an award! Celebrate past award recipients on our Awards page.