The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is looking for nominations for its Awards of Excellence program to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that excel in their efforts to promote, enhance or benefit fish, wildlife or marine resources.

The deadline is Dec. 31, and the awards will be presented at Discover WILD New Hampshire Day in April 2007.

The seven award categories include:
• Ellis R. Hatch Jr. Commission Award of Excellence, recognizing the efforts of an individual, group, organization, club, foundation or agency.
• Youth Conservationist, recognizing the efforts of an individual, 18 years of age or younger.
• Communication, recognizing an outdoor communicator, writer, or media source (radio, television, magazine, newsletter or periodical) that has written or published articles or materials beneficial to public understanding about fish, wildlife or marine resources as they relate to the department’s mission. This category will be judged on fairness, accuracy, timeliness, balance and quality of reporting.
• Conservation Organization, recognizing the efforts any organization, group, foundation or agency to promote the wise use of natural resources for their recreational or economic value.
• Volunteer, recognizing an individual who, as a volunteer with the department, has excelled in efforts to support and achieve the department’s mission.
• Habitat Stewardship, recognizing an organization, non-governmental entity, individual or corporation that has excelled in the enhancement, conservation or creation of land management practices beneficial to New Hampshire’s fish, wildlife and marine resources.
• Landowner Appreciation, recognizing an individual who has excelled in the preservation or enhancement of opportunities for public use on private property.

Nomination forms can be printed from the Fish and Game Web site at www.wildlife.state.nh.us. To request them to be mailed, call 603-271-3511. Posthumous nominations are acceptable.