About the Partnership Awards Program

The Partnership Awards celebrate the best in public lands partnerships, recognizing individuals, organizations, publications, products, programs and services that embody leading edge achievements in the preservation of public lands and the enrichment of visitors.

This program recognizes excellence in public lands partnerships, innovative solutions to challenges and outstanding programs and events that enhance the visitor experience on public lands.

Congratulations to the 2024 Award Recipients

PLA presented 14 awards to individuals and organizations key to successful and vibrant public lands partnerships.


Watch the 2024 Virtual Ceremony
Read the 2024 Press Release

The Call for 2025 Partnership Award Submissions is Now Open!

Submit Today

From September 24, 2024, to November 1, 2024, public lands professionals are invited to submit to the 2025 Partnership Awards by following these instructions:

  • Review the award categories below and access the online application form associated with each category.

  • You will need to create a Submittable account in order to view, save, edit and submit your application.

  • All application materials, including the online form, fees, and supplemental materials are due November 1, 2024.

  • Hard copies of materials (if applicable) must be received by November 14, 2024.

  • You may submit more than one entry to multiple categories. However, please note that if you are submitting multiple entries to one category, you will only be allowed to save one draft at a time for that category.

  • Your organization may create multiple Submittable accounts to save multiple drafts or you can submit entries to that category, one at a time.

Award Categories

The awards are typically given in six categories with the first three honoring individuals and organizations that are key to successful and vibrant public lands partnerships and the following three categories celebrating the products, programs and initiatives created in partnership that enrich and enliven our public lands.

View the application links below and sign-in to Submittable to view the application questions.


Agency Leadership

This award recognizes a public land management agency employee for outstanding accomplishments in championing, cultivating and leading partnerships. The award is presented to an individual currently employed by a federal, state, or county / municipal land management agency.

Submission: No Fee

Application

Corporate Stewardship

This award recognizes a company that has demonstrated exceptional achievement to enhance the quality of the visitor experience in America’s public lands. It is presented to a company that has made an impact through activities like product development, cause marketing and philanthropic support.

Submission: No Fee

Application

Public Lands Partner

This award recognizes an exemplary partnership for a stunning achievement to protect and preserve our public lands and enhance the experiences of their visitors and users. The award is presented to both the nonprofit and agency partners for their shared achievements.


Submission: No Fee

Application

Innovative Product

This award recognizes an interpretive product created in partnership by a nonprofit organization and a land management agency and that embodies a path-breaking approach to achieve a public lands mission.



Submission: $65 for PLA Members, Govt Agency, and Corporate Partners / $95 for Non-Members and Non-Partners

Application

Outstanding Public Engagement

This award recognizes exemplary products, displays, programs or services created in partnership by a nonprofit organization and a land management agency that advance meaningful and sustainable connections between individuals and America’s public lands.


Submission: $65 for PLA Members, Govt Agency, and Corporate Partners / $95 for Non-Members and Non-Partners

Application

Publication of the Year

This award recognizes a book or other publication created in partnership by a nonprofit organization and a land management agency that embodies innovation in educating and interpreting public lands to its readers and impacts a substantial audience.


Submission: $65 for PLA Members, Govt Agency, and Corporate Partners / $95 for Non-Members and Non-Partners

Application