Lifetime Achievement Awards

Since 2003, AFE’s Lifetime Achievement Awards have recognized sustained and long-term contributions in the field of fire ecology. This award honors individuals who have inspired and mentored a generation of fire ecologists, shown leadership in the field, and made postive impacts on the wildland fire community.

AFE’s Lifetime Achievement Awards were originally named to recognize three pioneers and early advocates in fire ecology: Harold Biswell, Henry Wright, Herbert Stoddard, Sr. and focused on the ecosystems in which they worked. You can read about their important contributions on our Tributes page (coming soon).

As of 2025, we will present one Lifetime Achievement Award annually, and awardees can work in any ecosystem or topic area. Awards can be personalized by defining a particular expertise or contribution. Contributions may be in research, management, teaching, mentoring, Indigenous fire stewardship, traditional use of fire, applied science, extension, boundary spanning and partnerships, policy, or another area of focus or expertise.