The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Annual Lifetime Outdoor Achievement Award. The award, which is presented by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, honors individuals who have been dedicated to the wise use of natural resources and who are embedded in Maine's rich outdoor traditions.

This is the second year of this award and the department is now seeking nominations of individuals who have hunted, trapped and fished in Maine for a combined total of 40 years. For example, an individual who has fished for 20 years, trapped for 10 years and hunted for 10 years would be an ideal candidate. Candidates should have also demonstrated a form of mentoring, teaching or instructing outdoor activities.

The 2015 Annual Lifetime Outdoor Achievement Award recipients, Harland Hitchings and Joseph Boudreau, were recognized by Commissioner Chandler Woodcock at the annual Sportsman's Alliance of Maine Banquet held last September.

Nominations should include the nominee's name, address, phone number, photograph and a few paragraphs about the individual, their experience in the Maine outdoors, and an explanation of why they are a deserving candidate. The nominator should also include their contact information. Nominations, which are due by 5 p.m., August 8, can be sent by email to Bonnie Holding at bonnie.holding@maine.gov or by mail to 284 State St, SHS 41, Augusta, Maine 04333. If one nominated an individual last year who you would like to nominate again this year, contact Bonnie Holding. If preferred, a nomination form can be downloaded from www.mefishwildlife.com

The recipient(s) of this year's Lifetime Outdoor Achievement Award will be selected by a committee of individuals from the Department and will recognized at the Sportsman Alliance of Maine Banquet in Waterville  September 10.