This award was initiated in 1988 by The Tribune to honor Olav Smedal, who spent 22 years as an outdoor writer and 17 years as the outdoor editor for the paper. It is presented annually to honor those who, by their actions or communications, have done the most to accurately present to the public of central Iowa excellence in the conservation of our natural resources and outdoor pursuits representing the highest standards of ethics and sportsmanship.
Several years after the initiation of the award by The Tribune, the Ames Chapter of the Izaak Walton League assumed sponsorship of the award. This seemed appropriate, as Olav was a “founding father” and charter member of the local organization.
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