RMS Awards

RMS seeks to develop and promote professional river management and encourage professional development among its members and their colleagues. One of the most exciting and fun ways to achieve this is to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the art and science of river management, and those who best exemplify the spirit and purpose of the organization. Since 1998 we have given annual RMS awards to deserving individuals. In 2000, the Frank Church Wild and Scenic Rivers Award was added by RMS Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council partners. The RMS Board of Directors and Awards Committee recognize outstanding individuals and achievements in four categories.

RMS Awards Categories and Criteria

We invite you to thank, honor and shine a light on colleagues who deserve to be recognized for their work and contributions to managing our rivers and developing our organization! Each award and the criteria by which nominations are evaluated are described below. Note that some minor changes to these criteria were approved by the board of directors October 2017.

The deadline to submit a nomination for 2025 awards is December 31, 2024. 

Submit a nomination for 2025 RMS Awards!

The RMS Board of Directors and Awards Committee recognize outstanding individuals and achievements in four categories:

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

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). Please 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.

Past Recipients

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). Please 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.

Past Recipients

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). Please 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.

Past Recipients

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

This award recognizes contributions to the success of the River Management Society itself. This award 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. Please 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;
• Provided exemplary service to the RMS through an elected office.

Past Recipients

Past RMS Awards Recipients by year

• 2024 Award Winners
• 2023 Award Winners
• 2022 Award Winners
• 2021 Award Winners
• 2020 Award Winners 
• 2019 Award Winners
• 2018 Award Winners
• 2017 Award Winners
• 2016 Award Winners
• 2015 Award Winners
• 2014 Award Winners
• 2013 Award Winners