Illinois BHA Chapter Recognized as 2025 Outdoor Volunteer Organization of the Year at ICF Gala

Our successes in the conservation space are often heard in an echo chamber. Policy and stewardship wins are recognized by others with interests or who support the outdoor missions we do. Even our harvests afield are most closely celebrated by the friends, family, and colleagues through a texted photo or social media post.

Once in a while, though, we have an opportunity to break outside of that echo chamber and have our work recognized by the broader conservation community.

The Illinois Conservation Foundation recognized the Illinois chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers as the Outdoor Volunteer Organization of the Year at the Foundation’s Annual Gala on March 19, 2026. ICF is a nonprofit organization that works to preserve and enhance Illinois’ natural and cultural heritage by supporting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through financial resources from donors and conservation partners.

The chapter’s leadership in the development of the Lake Shelbyville Archery Park helped transform the site into a top-tier public archery range that welcomes participants of all ages and skill levels. Through years of volunteer effort, collaboration with federal agency partners, and strong local advocacy for public access, the IL BHA chapter helped create a facility that will serve archers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The project reflects BHA’s mission of protecting wild places, supporting responsible, outdoor recreation, and ensuring public lands remain accessible for future generations of public land owners.  

“Lake Shelbyville Archery Park is way more than just a cool place to shoot your bow, it is an investment in generational importance of access and opportunity at our wild public places”, said Drew Kazenski, IL BHA Chapter Chair. “Receiving this award on behalf of BHA confirms public lands and waters are not lost in Illinois.  We would like to thank all who were involved in the project, USACE for being a model partner, and ICF for recognizing the work of volunteers who dedicate their time towards something bigger”.

The Illinois BHA Chapter will be hosting its 2nd Annual Lake Shelbyville Archery Shoot at the at the park on May 9th, 2026.