The Gold Hornaday Award is awarded after three years of conservation oriented work and is a national award few receive.  "John Lee is a living example of what we are trying to teach our youth to become, model citizens and wise stewards of our environment," said Phil Bevins, Scout Executive of the Las Vegas Area Council.  "Conservation and the Boy Scouts of America have been partners for a long time.  Camping, hiking, and respect for the outdoors are a part of Scouting."

"It is a deep honor to receive this prestigious award from the Boy Scouts of America.  I believe that is our duty to leave this planet a better place than we found it for future generations.  I hope that my community commitment will serve as a example for the next generation of leaders," said Lee.  

The William T. Hornaday Award was created to recognize those that have made significant contributions to conservation.  It was founded in 1914 by Dr. William T. Hornaday, director of the New York Zoological Park and founder of the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.  Dr. Hornaday was an active and outspoken champion of natural resource conservation.  He named the award the Wildlife Protection Medal, intending the award to challenge Americans to work constructively for wildlife conservation and habitat protection. 

Senator John Lee was elected to the Nevada Senate in 2004 and currently serves as the Assistant Majority Whip and the Chair of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee. He represents Clark Senate District 1.  He is actively involved in his community.  His many accomplishments include sponsorship of the Mt. Charleston License Plate which provides much needed funds for conservation projects and youth conservation education.  Senator Lee has been instrumental in the Las Vegas Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, founding the semi-annual Conservation Good Turn, an event that has involved over 1,100 young people in conservation projects over the last three years.