2020 Spirit of LightHawk Award

The Spirit of LightHawk Award is given to a pilot who is one of the top pilots in total LightHawk mission hours flown in the preceding year, is outstanding to work with, and represents the best the Volunteer Pilot Corps has to offer.

A volunteer pilot since 2018, Steve flew over 47 hours on LightHawk missions this year alone. These flights gave reporters and decision makers an invaluable perspective of proposed oil and gas leases that could affect sage grouse habitat in northern Colorado, and helped to engage reporters and scientists in the ongoing restoration work on the Colorado River Delta. Photos and stories from these flights ended up on pages of the Denver Post and the Arizona Republic. His flights enabled researchers to survey common loon nesting habitat in the Wind River range in WY, and gave new perspective to partners and collaborators coming together to discuss a program to protect wildlife corridors and work toward climate resilience in eastern Oregon.

Steve’s laid back demeanor and excellent flying skills makes everyone in the plane feel comfortable. One passenger described his flying as “smooth as butter”. He is also a gem for LightHawk staff to work with – methodical in his planning, and willing to go the extra mile for our partners and these issues.

Thank you Steve, for all your hard work and dedication to conservation.