Gala event hosted by MeatEater’s Steven Rinella brought together D.C. luminaries, outdoor industry leaders, and TRCP supporters

At its 17th annual Capital Conservation Awards Dinner, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership proudly celebrated the conservation achievements of Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Representative Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), and long-time advocate for big game migration corridors, Steve Sharkey.  

The gala event was hosted by Steven Rinella, founder of MeatEater, at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. 

“We are thrilled to be presenting our 2024 awards to three leaders who, in the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt, strive valiantly in the worthy cause of conservation: Senator Alex Padilla, Congressman Ryan Zinke, and Steve Sharkey,” said Joel Pedersen, TRCP president and CEO. “Senator Padilla and Congressman Zinke have been instrumental in clinching legislative victories for habitat, access, and conservation funding that will impact hunting and fishing opportunities for years to come. Our event is also a fitting way to celebrate a hunter and passionate advocate who helped create the model for big game migration conservation across the West, Steve Sharkey.” 

Senator Alex Padilla, the first Latino in the U.S. Senate, is a proven collaborator and dedicated conservation advocate. He leads the bipartisan Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act to secure permanent funding for big game migration corridors and long-term habitat protection. Padilla introduced legislation to boost funding for the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, restoring river habitats for fish and wildlife. Additionally, he co-leads the “Fix our Forests Act” to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. A champion for water conservation, Padilla is committed to protecting the Colorado River and conserving habitats for wildlife and recreation.  

Congressman Ryan Zinke, a fifth-generation Montanan and former U.S. Navy SEAL, has a strong record in conservation and public lands policy throughout his career in government. Serving as U.S. Representative for Montana’s First District and previously as U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Zinke championed expanding public land access, protecting wildlife migration corridors, and preventing federal land selloffs. In Congress, he co-leads the “Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act,” to establish dedicated funding for wildlife migration and the “Public Lands in Public Hands Act,” to require congressional approval for the sale and transfer of public lands. A strong advocate for Montana’s natural heritage, Zinke supports policies balancing conservation with responsible resource management.  

Steve Sharkey, a Director of the Knobloch Family Foundation, the Emily J. Knobloch Foundation, and the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust, has long championed the research- and conservation-based approach to migration corridor conservation in Wyoming.  His efforts laid important groundwork that helped make possible the state and national programs that prioritize the conservation of big game migration corridors and winter range across the West. Thanks to Steve’s unwavering commitment, migratory herds now benefit from greater safeguards, and millions of Americans continue to enjoy the wildlife resources they represent.  

The 17^th Annual Capital Conservation Awards Dinner was made possible with the support of the following generous sponsors:

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