Lake Forest Resident Charlie Potter Inducted into Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame

DUNDEE, Ill. – A lifelong Illinois resident is on a mission, along with the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation (McGraw), to transform the future of conservation. This month, the Illinois Conservation Foundation recognized Charlie Potter, President and CEO of the Dundee, Ill.-based McGraw, for his significant contributions to natural resources as an inductee into the 2014 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame.

A Lake Forest resident well known throughout the U.S. for his conservation leadership, Potter and McGraw initiated “Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow,” a highly acclaimed national program to provide professional training to conservation executives. They are also the architects of “Funding America’s Hunting and Fishing Future,” a nationwide initiative aimed at improving conservation funding through economic efficiencies and increased reliance on public/private partnerships. Potter is also host of the Great Outdoors Show on WGN Radio; he is a member of The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies’ “Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America’s Fish and Wildlife Resources”; a past chair of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission; a past board member of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Advisory Board, and founder and Chairman of Great Outdoors, LLC.

“We need to change the approach to conservation from being government centered to one where the private sector and the many capable conservation organizations take the lead and develop strong private/public partnerships,” says Potter. “This is a time for innovation and economic efficiency, the trademarks of the conservation community if hunting, fishing and land management are to be secured and enhanced. The entrepreneurial and problem solving spirit of America’s sportsmen and women is needed at this critical juncture in America’s conservation movement as we face historic challenges.”

Under Potter’s leadership, McGraw has assembled an expert team of nationwide conservation executives including Brent Manning, former Director of the Illinois Department of Resources, to analyze current federal, national and local appropriation of conservation resources. Armed with comprehensive data, the group will develop recommendations for the future funding of hunting, fishing and wildlife management to maximize conservation efficiencies, accountability and results.

Potter was inducted at the annual Illinois Conservation Foundation Gala on October 4, 2014. Other 2014 inductees include Paul Kelly of Hudson, President of the Illinois Trappers Association; and Dan Basore of Warrenville.

The Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to recognize and honor individuals who have made significant contributions to or exhibited unparalleled dedication in preserving, promoting, enhancing or supporting natural resources or outdoor recreation opportunities.