Partnership Awards


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 2021 Award Recipients

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PLA offered a condensed awards program in 2021, presenting nine awards to individuals and organizations that are key to successful and vibrant public lands partnerships.


Watch the 2021 Virtual Ceremony


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.


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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank You to Our 2021 Partnership Awards Sponsor!


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For over 40 years, Impact Photographics has been bringing nature's beauty to the world through the art of photography. Impact has gained its reputation for excellence by combining beautiful images by world renowned photographers with the highest product quality materials and workmanship.