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Conservation Partners
Honoring Conservation Leadership
Each year, the Connecticut Waterfowl Association recognizes an individual, business, or organization whose extraordinary dedication has made a lasting impact on our organization, our mission, or Connecticut’s rich waterfowling heritage. The Conservation Partner of the Year award is reserved for those who have gone above and beyond in advancing the conservation of waterfowl, wetlands, and the traditions that connect people to these invaluable natural resources. Whether through exceptional volunteerism, visionary leadership, generous philanthropy, meaningful partnerships, or steadfast advocacy, these recipients have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring that Connecticut’s waterfowl, waterfowlers, and wild places thrive for generations to come. Their contributions extend far beyond any single project or initiative, leaving an enduring legacy that strengthens our conservation efforts and inspires others to become active stewards of our shared outdoor heritage. It is with sincere gratitude and great pride that we honor these remarkable conservation leaders as Connecticut Waterfowl Association’s Conservation Partner of the Year.
2026: Chris Lindblom
A Connecticut native and proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Chris built a successful career in the outdoor sporting goods industry after his military service, yet he has never forgotten the state where his passion for waterfowling began. Through his advocacy on behalf of the Connecticut Waterfowl Association, Chris has been instrumental in securing what has become the single most impactful annual donation to our fundraising dinner, year after year. The generosity he inspires and the relationships he has cultivated have directly strengthened our ability to conserve wetlands, enhance wildlife habitat, expand public opportunities, support education, and invest in the future of Connecticut waterfowl conservation. His influence can be seen in every project and initiative undertaken by the organization that has benefited from the resources his efforts helps to provide. Beyond his remarkable contributions, Chris is a trusted friend of the Association, a steadfast supporter of our mission, and the kind of person whose company is welcomed in any duck blind.
2025: Chet Reneson
Resident of Lyme, acclaimed wildlife artist, and accomplished decoy carver, Chet has made an extraordinary contribution to the culture and heritage of waterfowling. Through his artwork, he has captured the beauty, anticipation, and emotion of days afield in a way that resonates deeply with generations of hunters. His paintings preserve fleeting moments that every waterfowler longs for: the first light breaking over a frozen marsh, the stillness before committed birds finish over the decoys, and the enduring bond between hunters, dogs, and the landscapes they cherish. More than simply documenting the outdoors, Chet’s work celebrates the traditions, values, and conservation ethic that define our sporting heritage. For many years, Chet has been a steadfast supporter of the Connecticut Waterfowl Association, generously donating his artwork, prints, and hand-carved decoys to our fundraising events for raffle and auction. These contributions have helped raise significant resources for conservation while allowing attendees to take home a peace of Connecticut's sporting heritage. His generosity is matched only by his artistic talent, and his lifelong dedication to portraying and preserving these experiences has inspired countless outdoorsmen and women to appreciate, protect, and pass on Connecticut’s rich waterfowling legacy.