NLA was formally established in July, 1982 and has now been in existence for 40 years.  Quite an accomplishment for an all volunteer, non-profit organization.  It was proposed by the current executive committee and approved by vote of the membership to commemorate the founding of the NLA by delivering a brief history of the association and also by honoring the founding members at the 2013 Mining And Land Resources Institute (MALRI) conference.  In addition to honoring the vision and efforts of the founding members, these awards also serve to recognize the participation and efforts of all past and present NLA Members who have contributed in so many ways to the success of NLA over the years.