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Entries

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2008 prize.

Entry Requirements

This award is given for journalism that best illuminates a Western environmental issue, although entries are not limited to journalists from Western news organizations. The judges will place a premium on stories that report and explain complicated situations, stories that report undiscovered or hidden problems and stories with implications beyond the immediate dimensions of the issue being covered.

Given the nature of the award, preference will be given to stories about the water, resource, land use, wildlife and other environmental issues that are unique to the North American West, but outstanding stories about environmental issues that occur in other areas of the continent as well – air pollution, groundwater pollution, etc. – will also be given strong consideration.

The North American West, for the purposes of this award, includes the U.S. west of the Mississippi River, Canada west of Ontario, including Nunavut, and Mexico west of the 102nd meridian.

Eligibility and Selection

Journalists working for U.S., Canadian or Mexican newspapers, magazine, broadcast organizations (including cable) or online sites accessible to the general public are eligible to apply, as are freelancers.

Those whose work appears in publications or programs connected to government agencies, advocacy organizations, or to business or trade organizations with a financial stake in environmental issues, are not eligible.

Entries must be predominantly about an environmental subject occurring in or affecting the North American West, and must have been published, broadcast or posted during calendar year 2007. Series that began in 2006 and ended in 2007, or that began in 2007 and ended in 2008, are eligible, but may be entered only in one contest year.

The Risser Prize administrators and steering committee are the final authority for determining whether an entry is eligible. The entry fee of any entrant deemed ineligible will be refunded.