"We all know how well-deserved this award is, recognizing Ed's conservation leadership as Earthjustice's board chair, as board chair of TREC, as a key player in land conservation in the Northern Rockies, and as a consultant and advisor to many organizations," said Earthjustice President Trip Van Noppen.
Past winners include Earthjustice Vice-President of Litigation Patti Goldman.
The Wilburforce Foundation protects wildlife and wildlands in Western North America by supporting organizations and leaders advancing conservation solutions. According to the foundation, the leadership award is one of a series of grants honoring individuals for exceptional leadership in the conservation movement.
The foundation devotes a substantial part of its resources to assisting organizations in developing and strengthening their administrative, strategic and programmatic capabilities. With this award, Wilburforce extends its support to provide recognition to the hard-working individuals who help lead those organizations.
The Conservation Leadership Award includes a cash award of $10,000 to the individual, plus an accompanying $5,000 to the organization where the recipient works. There are no stipulations attached to the award. Van Noppen noted -- with gratitude -- that Lewis gave Earthjustice the $5,000 gift that comes with the award.
"It's our wish that the recipients use the funds however they'd like," said Tim Greyhavens, executive director of the foundation. "This award truly is for the individual as our way of recognizing outstanding dedication and extraordinary efforts."