The Citizen's Award is given to persons not directly employed in the aquatic field who make a substantial contribution to Missouri's aquatic resource.

David Murphy – Citizen’s Award

Well known as a man of integrity and high personal character, David (Dave) Murphy is a native of northeast Missouri who has devoted most of his adult life to conserving the natural resources of our state.  As a graduate of the University of Missouri, a wildlife researcher for the Missouri Department of Conservation, past-President of the Mid-Missouri Chapter of Trout Unlimited, regional director for the National Wild Turkey Federation and now the Executive Director of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Dave has contributed to conservation at many levels and in many ways.  His broad experience in conservation efforts has prepared him well to be an effective leader for the Conservation Federation of Missouri.  As such, he has re-invigorated the organization, inspired involvement by new volunteers, attracted many new affiliate organizations, involved young people in the Federation’s work and brought together many diverse conservation and outdoor organizations into an effective and well-organized federation.  Under Dave’s leadership, the Federation has protected Missouri’s conservation heritage from political threats against the conservation sales tax, ill-advised grass-roots initiatives and damaging legislative efforts.  Dave’s energy and capacity for optimistic and enthusiastic leadership is well-known and admired in the conservation community. 

For his dedication to Missouri’s aquatic resources, his desire to relay this understanding to the public, fellow professionals, Lawmakers, future natural Resource professionals please help me congratulate Dave Murphy as he receives the Citizens Award from the Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.