Conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris honored with inaugural conservation award
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation names Morris first-ever recipient of the Elk Country Lifetime Achievement Award
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Recognizing an unmatched commitment toward the conservation of elk and elk country, Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist Johnny Morris was the first-ever recipient of the Elk Country Lifetime Achievement Award during the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) 2017 National Convention held in Nashville, Tenn.
While establishing Bass Pro Shops as one of the leading outdoor retailers in North America, Morris has maintained a passion for protecting habitat and connecting people to nature. Key partnerships with conservation leaders like RMEF, and the proper management of natural resources, ensure the future of the outdoors industry and the outdoor sports loved by so many.
“The long-term positive impact on generations of sportsmen and women thanks to Johnny Morris is beyond measure,” said RMEF CEO David Allen. “We are so pleased to honor our long-time partner and friend, Johnny Morris, with our inaugural Elk Country Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Since 2000, Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops has helped RMEF reach new heights including recently eclipsing more than seven million acres of land protected or conserved. He was previously recognized for his steadfast support and commitment as the recipient of RMEF’s “Conservationist of the Year” award in 2004. The efforts of Morris have enabled RMEF to recruit new members and raise conservation funds through an annual customer round-up program at all Bass Pro Shops locations. He has also contributed more than $1.5 million to RMEF’s core mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and hunting’s heritage.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation announced the creation of the Elk Country Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 to recognize a deserving individual’s dedication and achievements toward the conservation of elk and elk country.
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About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Founded over 30 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership of more than 222,000 strong, RMEF has conserved more than 7.1 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation” at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
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About Bass Pro Shops®
Bass Pro Shops is a leading destination retailer offering outdoor gear and apparel in an immersive setting. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today more than 100 retail and marine centers host 120 million people annually. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is known as a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.”
