Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge received a 2005 Fish and Wildlife Service Environmental Leadership Award in the Environmental Management System category, and was named "Refuge of the Year? for environmental excellence. The refuge's staff was commended for its efforts in pollution prevention, environmental outreach and partnering, energy initiatives, and sustainable building designs.

Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge received a 2005 Fish and Wildlife Service Environmental Leadership Award in the Environmental Management System category as well, honoring the refuge's continued environmental leadership. Yukon Delta staffers were also specifically recognized for their work in pollution prevention, environmental outreach and partnering, energy initiatives, and sustainable building designs.

Nicole Johnson, an Environmental Education Specialist with Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, received a Fish and Wildlife Service Environmental Leadership Award for her recycling efforts, which have included reaching out to refuge employees and the public alike to encourage improved environmental stewardship. Nicole coordinates the refuge's recycling program which, in 2004, recycled 3,413 pounds of office products alone! Nicole's award was one of only three such individual Environmental Leadership Awards given in 2005.