RESTON, Va. – The National Wildlife Federation has bestowed posthumously its prestigious Conservation Achievement Award to Tony Dean, noted conservationist, sportsman and TV and radio host who called Pierre, S.D., home. Revered as a legend in the Northern Plains states, Dean used his radio and TV platforms to educate his audiences on a broad range of conservation issues that NWF advocates for, including climate change, wilderness areas, mining reform and conservation provisions in the Farm Bill.
His shows “Tony Dean Outdoors” and “Dakota Backroads” not only informed and entertained, but inspired people to take action to protect the nation’s natural resources. His award was given in the Communications Category at NWF’s Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh in May and was accepted by his wife Dar DeChandt. Dean passed away in October 2008.
“The future of wildlife is more secure thanks to Tony Dean, whose views were respected by hunters and anglers across the Midwest and beyond,” said Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “His name recognition and history of addressing the concerns of sportsmen like himself have emboldened hunters and anglers who might never have engaged their elected officials on issues like global warming.”
Dean’s dedication to supporting NWF went beyond his TV and radio shows. He contributed considerable time and energy to being a powerful voice for the Federation’s top conservation issues. In addition to testifying before a U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources, Dean lent his voice to NWF’s “Waterfowler’s Guide to Global Warming,” helping capture the attention of duck and goose hunters across the country.
He rallied hunter and angler support for the Climate Security Act in 2008 and personally met with key senators to urge them to support and strengthen the bill. He also spoke on the climate concerns of hunters and anglers at a national press conference last summer on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and has delivered numerous speeches on the impact of global warming on wildlife and wildlife habitat.
As a tribute to Dean’s conservation legacy, his family and friends have established the Tony Dean’s Acres memorial to continue his life’s work by providing land that will support wildlife habitat, provide for public outdoor recreation and carry on Dean’s commitment to environmental education. Every $1,000 donated will buy an acre of wildlife habitat and support conservation education programs. Tony Dean’s Acres will be managed for wildlife in perpetuity under the direction of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks, and will be open to public use for outdoor recreation and environmental education programming. To make a tax-deductible donation to Tony Dean’s Acres, contact the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation, www.parkswildlifefoundation.org/TonyDean.htm.
“The conservation community will sorely miss Tony Dean, a wildlife warrior whose dedication to protecting our nation’s natural heritage was unwavering,” concluded Schweiger.
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National Wildlife Federation honors Tony Dean
