NC Wildlife Federation announces award winners

The North Carolina Wildlife Federation has announced the winners of the annual Governor's Conservation Achievement Awards.

The federation has presented the awards since 1958. This year's awards will also induct environmental philanthropist Fred Stanback of Salisbury into the Conservation Hall of Fame. Stanback previously was named Conservationist of the Year in 2005.

Award winners will be honored at a Sept. 6 banquet in Cary:

• Conservationist of the Year: Jean Beasley of Topsail Island for her work with sea turtles
• Wildlife Conservationist: Robert Curry, chief of inland fisheries for the N.C. Wildlife Commission in Raleigh
• Sportsman: Bryan Perry of Zebulon for his work with wild turkeys
• Land Conservationist: Jamin Simmons, a farmer from Fairfield who embraces innovation
• Water Conservationist: Roger Dick of Albemarle for his defense of rivers, lakes and public access
• Environmental Educator: Shaefny Grays of Morrisville for a mentoring program at N.C. State University's College of Natural Resources
• Conservation Communicator: Joe Albea of Winterville for his advocacy of wildlife on public television and other media
• Youth Conservationist: Rachel Hopkins, a student in Raleigh who advocates for nongame species
• Legislator: Rep. Chuck McGrady of Hendersonville for his attention to conservation
• Municipal Conservationist: The City of Jacksonville for showcasing the New River
• Wildlife Volunteer: John Spruill of Hampstead for fighting for wildlife, farms and wild lands in Eastern North Carolina
• Hunter Safety Educator: Stony Rushing of Wingate for helping underserved hunters
• NCWF Chapter: Habitat and Wildlife Keepers in Matthews, which turned its community green
• NCWF Affiliate: North Carolina Hunters for the Hungry, whose volunteers process and donate venison
• Natural Resources Scientist: Christopher Moorman of Raleigh for his work with wildlife-friendly forestry
• Conservation Organization: Quality Deer Management Association for combining hunting with conservation
• Business Conservationist: The Webb Farm of Ellerbe for work with quail hunting on a family farm
• Wildlife Enforcement Officer: Master Officer Robert Newsome of Marion for merging law enforcement with public outreach
• Marine Fisheries Enforcement Officer: Sgt. Carter Witten of Havelock for leading special enforcement projects in Eastern North Carolina.