Paul Schaefer was a visionary leader of the New York State conservation movement since his early twenties. During his long career he served on countless advisory committees for state and private agencies. His numerous awards and honors include the 1966 Governor's Award from the New York State Conservation Council and National Wildlife Federation, the 1985 Governor Mario Cuomo Conservation Award, and the 1986 Chevron USA Conservation Award. In 1979, Union College recognized his outstanding contributions to conservation by awarding him an honorary doctor of science degree.