Missouri's largest conservation group, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, has named Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon as its 2015 Conservationists of the Year.
Missouri Conservation Commission Chair Marilynn Bradford on Friday night presented the award to the Nixons, during the federation's annual awards ceremony in Jefferson City.
In presenting the award, CFM highlighted several of the Nixons' accomplishments, recognitions and initiatives, including:
• Governor's 100 Missouri Miles Challenge: Launched in 2013 to celebrate Missouri being named the "Best Trails State" in America, the challenge encourages Missourians to complete 100 miles of outdoor physical activity in one year.
So far, more than 25,900 participants have logged more than 4.7 million miles.
• Expansion of Share the Harvest: The program provides an avenue for hunters to donate venison to those in need.
• Governor's Youth Turkey and Deer Hunts: In 2009, his first year in office, Nixon hosted the first Governor's Youth Turkey Hunt. In 2012, the first Governor's Youth Deer Hunt was implemented.
• The First Lady's Children in Nature Challenge: Mrs. Nixon has made it a priority to encourage Missouri's children to put down the remote control and go outside.
• Cabins for Canines Program: In an effort to attract more visitors to Missouri State Parks, Mrs. Nixon was instrumental in beginning the program, and today, about 30 percent of State Parks lodging units are considered dog friendly.
• Our Missouri Waters Initiative: Missouri has increased aquatic habitat and recreational use protection for more than 91,000 miles of stream and 2,300 lakes through collaborative stakeholder efforts.