2009 State Park, Forest Award Winners To Be Celebrated At May 5 Dinner

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation announced the recipients of the 2009 state park and forests awards this week which recognize eight groups, facilities and individuals for exemplary service, programs and work to protect and enhance our state park and forest system.

 

The top honor, the Keystone Legacy Award, sponsored again this year by Woolrich, Inc., will be presented to Joe Healey head of the Keystone Trail Care Crew. Established in 1984 by the Keystone Trails Association, the Keystone Trail Care Crew is an all-volunteer group who have pledged to be the expert SWAT team for hiking trails throughout Pennsylvania.

 

The Trail Care Crew, headed by Healey, put in an average of 4,000 hours of work during the year, including at least ten weekends, and three 4-day weeks each year. However, their work does not stop there—they also sponsor educational opportunities for budding workers such as their cornerstone chainsaw safety program and are also experts in erosion control, building bridges, stone work, and wilderness first aid.

 

"I've known Joe for several years and have had the privilege to work with him on a new trail at the Goat Hill Serpentine Barrens. His tireless efforts to spearhead trail building, bridge building, and trail repair has benefited thousands of hikers across the commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is proud to recognize Joe's contribution to outdoor recreation and volunteerism by naming him our Keystone Legacy Award Winner."

 

The award winners will be honored at a gala dinner at the Harrisburg Country Club on May 5.

Other award recipients include:

 

--Government Award (sponsored by Mr. Joseph Ibberson): Greg Schrum, retired, Bureau of State Parks for his role in developing and implementing a state-wide park management plan process and encouraging the use of current technologies and best management practices in park management.

 

--Presidentfs Award: Judy Schwank, President & CEO, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania for her strong regional advocacy for DCNR conservation and recreation programs and state-wide leadership to promote sustainable development and smart growth.

 

--Park of the Year Award (sponsored by Dominion): Sinnemahoning State Park for the outstanding infrastructure improvements and expanded programming instituted at the park.

 

--Forest of the Year Award (sponsored by Gannett Fleming, Inc.): William Penn Forest District for the successful development and promotion of the Tree Vitalize program in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties.

 

--Friends Group Volunteerism Award (sponsored by Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania): Friends of Ohiopyle State Park for their outstanding work on numerous park improvement and service projects.

 

--Friends Group Education Award: Friends of Colonel Denning State Park for the educational programming provided by the friends during the 2008 camp season in the absence of a seasonal educator.

 

--Friends Group Improvement Award (sponsored by PPL Corporation): Friends of Shikellamy State Park for their work to enhance public awareness and stewardship of the park through the implementation of a variety of public programs.

 

The public is invited to attend the awards banquet which will be held on May 5 at the Harrisburg Country Club in Harrisburg, PA. Tickets for the event are $40 and may be purchased by calling the Foundation at 717-236-7644. Advance registration is required and must be received by April 28.