This award goes to an individual who has served nature photography for at least 20 years. The individual should have made significant contributions [e.g., an expansive body of work, as a photographer; or (and equally important) service to support of the nature photography industry] over an extended period of time. National name recognition is not as important as accomplishments.
NOTE: Nominees who are not NANPA members must be born or reside in North America. However, this birth/residency requirement shall be waived if the non-NANPA member nominee's work is focused on North America.