(June 16, 2026) – RESTON, VA — The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Crane has received the National Wildlife Federation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades-long commitment to advancing wildlife conservation, protecting America’s hunting and angling traditions, and building partnerships that strengthen the conservation movement nationwide.
“Few conservation leaders have done more to unite hunters, anglers, wildlife advocates, and policymakers around a shared vision for America’s outdoor heritage than Jeff Crane,” said Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Throughout his career, Jeff has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to conservation. From helping secure landmark legislation to building bridges across the conservation community, his legacy embodies the spirit of Ding Darling and the belief that conservation succeeds when diverse voices come together in common cause.”
“I am truly honored to receive this recognition,” Crane said. “I have been fortunate throughout my career to work alongside such dedicated professionals and outdoor advocates committed to protecting our nation’s wildlife, habitats, public lands, and outdoor traditions. That shared purpose has always guided my work, and I remain grateful for the opportunity to support those efforts. Conservation is a long-term commitment, built on collaboration and a shared sense of responsibility, and I am proud to have contributed to that enduring mission.”
As leader of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Crane became one of the National Wildlife Federation’s closest conservation partners helping to forge relationships between traditional sportsmen and women and the broader conservation community. He played a pivotal role in bringing the Federation into the American Wildlife Conservation Partners coalition and fostering collaboration with state affiliates across the country.
Together, these partnerships helped advance passage of foundational policies like the Great American Outdoors Act; the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act; the America’s Conservation Enhancement Act; and the Wildlife Innovation and Longevity Driver Act. As a steadfast advocate for America’s public lands, Crane also led efforts to advance Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which remains a top legislative priority for both organizations.
The National Wildlife Federation Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose careers have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to wildlife conservation.