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The Victor A. Schmidt Conservation Award

The Victor A. Schmidt Conservation Award annually recognizes one NSS member who, over time, has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the conservation of caves. Names of candidates will be solicited by the Awards Committee, and the recipient will be approved by the Board of Governors upon recommendation of the Awards Committee. The recipient must have been a member in good standing of the Society for at least two years immediately prior to his name being submitted as a candidate. The Awards Committee shall give preference to candidates who have not received the Outstanding Service Award or Honorary Membership.

Past Recipients

Tips to Writing a Good Nomination

The Victor A. Schmidt Conservation Award is for people who have made significant contributions to cave conservation. The nominee must be an NSS member for at least the past two years. Strong preference will be given to nominees who have not received the NSS Honorary Member or Outstanding Service awards (if you're not sure, check next to the person's name in your NSS Members Manual).

Your nomination letter should include details of the nominee's contribution to cave conservation. Please do not assume that "everyone" knows your nominee and your nominee's merits. The nomination letter should give details about what kind of cave restoration, clean-ups, and other cave conservation projects the member has been involved with. Letters from other people supporting your nomination are helpful, especially if they provide additional useful insights into the nominee's contributions. Since only one person is selected each year, you should support no more than one person per year for the award..

Note: In 1994, the Victor A. Schmidt Conservation Award was changed from an internal organization award to an individual award.  The NSS Conservation and Management Section created an award for internal organizations.  Please visit their site to view the winners of their award.