Members of the Association and others active in the field of weather modification have been recognized over the years for their contributions to the science.  This has been done through three awards:  The Thunderbird Award, The Schaefer Award, and the International Award.  In addition, a fourth award, the Black Crow, has been awarded nearly every year since its inception to recognize Association members who have suffered unusual adversities of one type or another.

In 2002, two new awards recognizing Distinguished Service by field personnel were added.  The first recipients of these awards were named at the 2003 annual meeting.  Descriptions of these awards and lists of their recipients can be viewed at the links above, and to the left.

To facilitate thoughtful nominations, the awards are defined below so you don't have to hop through the links.

The Schaefer Award
The Schaefer Award is the most coveted award presented by the Weather Modification Association. The recipient is chosen by the Board of Directors and the Awards Committee, from candidates nominated by the committee and/or the general membership. The award is not generally presented every year. The recipient receives a plaque, which is inscribed with the following:

"For scientific and technological discoveries that have constituted a major contribution to the advancement of weather modification."

The Thunderbird Award
The Thunderbird Award is an honored presentation, which recognizes fundamental and continuing contributions to the art and science of weather modification. The recipient is chosen by the Awards Committee, which is comprised of three previous recipients of the Thunderbird Award. The Award is presented each year at the Annual Meeting. The recipient receives a neck piece, and is required to add his or her own contribution to the Association's replica of the Northern Plains Indian Medicine Bundle, recounted by the late Marion Bruce to confer great rainmaking powers on the bearer.

The International Award
Commemorative medallions originally presented to the Weather Modification Association at the 1985 meeting in France, and now permanently displayed in a Lucite box, serve at the centerpiece for this rotating international award. It is presented to special individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions toward international cooperation in weather modification. The recipient is chosen by the Board of Directors from nominations made at the annual meeting. This award is not given every year.

The Black Crow Award
The Black Crow Award is presented to those individuals who for one reason or another have found themselves plagued with an extraordinary number of adversities or mishaps. Of course, the true cause of these adversities can frequently be traced directly to the recipients themselves. The "Crow" is presented at each annual meeting in partial recompense for those misfortunes suffered during the previous year. The recipient is chosen from nominations made to the Awards Committee.

Distinguished Service Awards

Weather Modification Field Meteorologist Distinguished Service Award
This award is presented to exemplary weather modification field meteorologists who have provided outstanding services in the conduct of weather modification operations and/or research. The award recognizes their dedication, skills and professionalism, which contribute(d) significantly to the success of field programs, and reflects(ed) favorably on the profession and the WMA. Recipients are chosen by the Awards Committee from nominations directed to the Committee. It is not mandatory that this award be presented each year.

Weather Modification Pilot/Technician Distinguished Service Award
This award is presented to exemplary weather modification pilots or technicians who have provided outstanding services in the conduct of weather modification operations and/or research. The award recognizes their dedication, skills and professionalism which contribute(d) significantly to the success of field programs, and reflects(ed) favorably on the profession and the WMA. Recipients are chosen by the Awards Committee from nominations directed to the Committee. It is not mandatory that this award be presented each year.

Weather Modification Administrator Distinguished Service Award

This award is presented to exemplary administrators who have provided outstanding services in the support of weather modification operations and/or research. The award recognizes their dedication, skills and professionalism, which contribute(d) significantly to the success of these programs, and reflects(ed) favorably on the profession and the WMA. Recipients are chosen by the Awards Committee from nominations directed to the Committee. It is not mandatory that this award be presented each year.