The award recognizes FWS participation with a unique cooperative effort between the USDA Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, the Bahamas National Trust, and many others to gain additional insight on Kirtland's Warbler habitat use on wintering grounds and to build local capacity in the Bahamas to manage for wintering needs. To date, eight Bahamian students are trained in field conservation and several are now pursuing college degrees in the field.

As one of four recipients nationally, the Kirtland's warbler project continues a unique and longstanding partnership between the parties on Kirtland's warbler management. With breeding grounds only known to Michigan, species survivability depends on a cooperative effort that focuses on habitat management, cowbird control, and now, efforts in the Bahamas to understand and better manage for wintering habitat needs.

FWS participants include Mike DeCapita and Chris Mensing of the East Lansing Field Office. Both biologists have lead roles with field work, recovery team activities, and participation with collaborative initiatives. Also, Herb Raffaele and staff of the Division of International Conservation have provided assistance and funding support.