The Center for Jackson Hole today announced Powderhook as an official selection for the 2017 SHIFT Awards in the “Technology” category.

To determine Award nominees, SHIFT researchers identified more than 300 individuals or initiatives from around North America that leveraged outdoor rec for conservation gains. Further evaluations were then made of more than 130 initiatives in six categories: Non-Profit Leadership, Business Leadership, Public Land-Management Innovation, Technology, Youth Engagement and Adventure Athlete.

SHIFT’s evaluators then ranked each initiative or individual according to the criteria found here.

The Awards are part of SHIFT’s commitment to showcasing on-the-ground work that is successfully meeting challenges at the nexus of outdoor recreation and conservation in communities around the country.

Powderhook joins fellow tech startup Hipcamp, along with American Conservation Experience’s WildSNAP, and NIC’s YourPassNow as official selections.

According to founder, Eric Dinger, the selection is important recognition for the innovative approach Powderhook has taken to growing outdoor participation. “If you’re a hunter, angler, or shooter, there is a really strong chance you had a mentor. Our Digital Mentoring program is one way we can grow the number of people offering mentorship, and thus the chances someone can easily find a mentor. Today’s new participants are dealing with completely different circumstances than did generations before them, from the prevalence of mobile technology to urbanization, lack of time, and access challenges. The success of Digital Mentoring is proof we can continue to pass along our heritage in new ways,” said Dinger.

For more information, or to become a Digital Mentor, search Powderhook in your App Store or Google Play.