Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks grizzly bear management specialist Tim Manley has been selected as the first recipient of the Bud Moore Conservation Award.

Co-sponsored by Northwest Connections, the Swan Ecosystem Center and the Vital Ground Foundation, the award recognizes individuals who have gone out of their way to work with rural residents in the conservation of natural resources.

In presenting the award, Vital Grounds executive director Gary Wolfe said Manley was selected for his leadership, holistic thinking, wildlife conservation vision and spirit of cooperation — all traits embodied by the late Bud Moore, an iconic forester and outdoorsman.

The award, “Grizz,” a wildlife bronze sculpted by artist Forest Hart, was presented to Manley at Northwest Connections’ 15th anniversary celebration on July 12 in Condon.