Washington Wildlife Federation Vice-President Bob Johnson

Honored for Volunteer Spirit

RESTON, VA (March 20, 2006) – The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), America’s conservation organization, is honoring Bob Johnson of Renton, Washington, with its Affiliate Volunteer of the Year Award.  This award honors individuals who demonstrate volunteerism through giving of their time, talents and service in support of NWF’s mission, to protect wildlife for our children’s future. Johnson received the award from NWF at the organization’s annual meeting this month in New Orleans, LA.

Johnson, a retired manager at Boeing, dedicates all his free time to working on wildlife and conservation issues.  He is an avid sport fisherman and respected conservation leader who has been extremely active with NWF and its affiliate, the Washington Wildlife Federation.  He has also been involved with Trout Unlimited, Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition, Mid-Puget Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group, Wild Steelhead Summit, Washington Environmental Council, Earthshare of Washington, and Cedar River Council – serving in leadership positions with all these groups involved with saving salmon and other fisheries. 

”The National Wildlife Federation honors Bob Johnson for his dedication and commitment to protecting wildlife and wild places,“ said Larry Schweiger, President and CEO of NWF.  ”He exemplifies the volunteer spirit that drives the conservation successes achieved by our organization.“

In 2005 alone, Johnson compiled an amazing list of conservation accomplishments.  He participated in a number of NWF legal cases where we won important safeguards for endangered Pacific salmon.  He flew to Washington DC three times to lobby members of Congress on issues ranging from global warming to endangered species.  Back at home, Johnson met with a key Republican member of Congress and helped secure an important vote to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling.  He created a database application for organizing conservation fundraising events, and has worked with a number of conservation groups to help them build their organizations and be more effective.  Johnson participated in the Puget Sound Forum, where regional leaders set a new direction for conservation in the Sound.  Finally, he helped NWF rally sportsmen to protect our public lands from private interests.

Johnson is committed to raising public awareness of conservation issues in Washington and advancing the National Wildlife Federation’s goal to connect people to nature through their volunteerism and service. Bob Johnson is a role model of environmental stewardship for all he encounters.

NWF's mission is to inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future.

For more information contact:  Matt Little – 206-285-8707, little@nwf.org or Mary Burnette – 703-438-6097, burnette@nwf.org.