Johnson spearheaded the creation of a fence-crossing structure near Etna, Wyoming, which helps wildlife managers maintain healthy herds of free-ranging elk.
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) has honored Bruce Johnson of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 322 with the 2019 IBEW Conservation Steward of the Year Award for his exemplary commitment to conservation and community service.
The award recognizes volunteers from each of the USA’s charter unions who make exceptional contributions to the USA’s efforts to organize union volunteers to donate their time and unique trade skills in the preservation of North America’s outdoor heritage.
Johnson, of Lander, Wyoming, is an organizer with Local 322 and has been an IBEW member since 1980.
His conservation accomplishments with USA projects include spearheading the creation of a custom fence-crossing structure near Etna, Wyoming, which helps state wildlife managers maintain healthy herds of free-ranging elk while protecting farmers’ crops from damage.
USA Director of Union Relations Walt Ingram (R) presented Johnson with the award at the IBEW Construction and Maintenance Conference in Washington, D.C.
Johnson was also integral in the construction of a 20×26-foot storage shed—nicknamed the “Shed Shed”–that gave Wyoming’s National Elk Refuge a central facility in which to store thousands of pounds of dropped elk antlers (sheds) each season. Through a partnership with the Jackson District Boy Scouts, the antlers are sold at auction to fund habitat enhancement and elk management on the refuge.
“I’m honored to receive this award,” said Johnson. “The IBEW members who came together and volunteered to build those projects deserve as much recognition as I do. They’re the ones who actually made it happen, so kudos to them.”
“I’m also really thankful to the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance for giving us the opportunity to use conservation, fishing and hunting to bring union members together, build relationships with non-union allies and remind our neighbors that we are part of the community–and we do care,” he added.
“Bruce is a dedicated conservationist and volunteer whose leadership helps us execute projects that benefit wildlife populations cherished by his local community and sportsmen across the country,” said USA CEO and Executive Director Scott Vance. “His commitment exemplifies the spirit of union solidarity and community service that drives the USA’s mission.”
The Conservation Steward of the Year selection process begins with the nomination of potential recipients by peers or union leadership. From this pool of nominees, USA staff select individuals who have had the greatest impact on the USA’s mission, represented their unions in the most exemplary fashion, and made the biggest difference in their local community.
