Fast Facts:

" Craig and Shelley Larson chosen for Wetland Conservation Achievement Award - Private Citizen
" "The Larsons have not only advocated for wetland and prairie conservation but have also carried out that passion for the prairies in their own lives by protecting and restoring critical habitat on their land," said DU Chief of Conservation Paul Schmidt.
" Complete list of the 2016 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award winners at www.ducks.org/wetlandawards.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - March 18, 2016 - Craig and Shelley Larson were honored today for being champions of conservation. The Bismarck, N.D., couple received the 2016 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award in the Private Citizen category at the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Pittsburgh.

"The Larsons have not only advocated for wetland and prairie conservation but have also carried out that passion for the prairies in their own lives by protecting and restoring critical habitat on their land," said DU Chief of Conservation Paul Schmidt. "Craig and Shelley have helped to directly protect and restore several thousand acres of exceptional prairie habitat. They have also seeded land on their property back to native prairie and have nurtured the grass back to robust stands."

The Larsons have also incorporated conservation into their business practices at Starion Financial where Craig is president and chief executive officer.

"I want to do my part to do the right thing for the environment," Craig said. "To me, it's about maintaining the balance of working landscapes and nature - to allow us to farm the best and leave the rest. I've been fortunate to experience nature's beauty across the country and am passionate about preserving it. Conservation isn't something you see the effects of overnight, but it is critical we join together to create a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren."

Craig and Shelley have contributed financially to the efforts of others working in the prairies, including Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Dakota and The North Dakota Natural Resources Trust.

Ducks Unlimited's Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards are presented annually in six categories to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and restoration of North America's wetlands and waterfowl. To view a complete list of the 2016 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award winners, please visit www.ducks.org/wetlandawards.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13.6 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org.

Media Contact:
Becky Jones Mahlum
701-355-3507
bjonesmahlum@ducks.org
@BeckyJMahlum