LIBBY, MONT. Charlie Decker of Libby was honored for a lifetime of contribution to the wildlife of North America when he was presented with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Wallace Fennell Pate Wildlife Conservation Award at the Foundation?s National Elk Camp in Denver last month.

Decker has dedicated his life to wildlife conservation. As one of the four founders of the Elk Foundation, his vision, work ethic and tenacity brought the Foundation from fledgling startup to one of the most successful wildlife organizations in the country. Decker has served sixteen years on the Elk Foundation?s board of directors including two years as chairman.

"He was instrumental in always looking at the best interest of the resource, while challenging the grassroots elk hunter and conservationist to make a difference that counts," said Bob Munson, Elk Foundation founder and past president (1984-1998).

As a wildlife commissioner for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Decker has spent countless hours working on behalf of Montana?s hunters, anglers and sportsmen and women while keeping focused on what is best for the state?s fish and wildlife resources. He is owner and president of CRD Timber and Logging, a member of the Montana Logging Association, and the United Business Coalition.

"Charlie exemplifies the true spirit of the Wallace Fennell Pate Wildlife Conservation Award. He represents the type of dedicated sportsman/conservationist who is involved with the Elk Foundation," said Gary Wolfe, Elk Foundation president and CEO (1998-2001). "He has spent a great portion of the last 16 years contributing to the development of sound natural resource management decisions."

Established in 1993, the Wallace Fennell Pate Wildlife Conservation Award is presented to those who, in the estimation of the Elk Foundation's executive staff and board of directors, have made contributions of lasting significance to the benefit of elk, other wildlife and their habitat across North America.

Wallace Fennell Pate, first Elk Foundation president and chairman of the board, dedicated his time, energy and financial resources to betterment of wildlife in North America. Because of his lifetime commitment, Pate has become a national role model for what individuals or groups can do to conserve natural resources.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is an international, nonprofit conservation organization whose mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. Founded in 1984, the Foundation now has 111,000 members who have helped generate the funds to conserve and enhance nearly three million acres of wildlife habitat across North America. The Elk Foundation is headquartered in Missoula, Mont.