On February 8, the PA Parks and Forests Foundation announced the winners of its 2019 awards. 

Each year the Foundation recognizes outstanding service, programs and places which remind us of the exemplary work being done in parks and forests, by both staff and volunteers, to improve Pennsylvania’s quality of life and to protect our natural assets for future generations.

The winners are--

-- Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award: Larry Williamson, retired Director of DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation & Conservation, whose funding and technical assistance have strengthened conservation and education across the state.

-- Ibberson Government Award: Dan Devlin, former State Forester and a 40-year veteran in service to Pennsylvania’s natural resources.

-- President’s Award: National: REI whose national #OptOutside has transformed Black Friday into a celebration of the outdoors and #ForceofNature helps transform the confidence of women in outdoor adventure.

-- Park of the Year: Laurel Hill State Park (Somerset County)

-- Forest of the Year: Bald Eagle State Forest (Centre County)

-- Education Award: Friends of Washington Crossing (Bucks County)

-- Improvement Award: Group: North Country Trail Association-Clarion County Chapter

-- Individuals: Ron and Donna Hirt, Parker Dam State Park (Clearfield County)

-- Volunteerism Award: Don Litten, Friends of Black Moshannon (Centre County)

The award winners will be honored at a banquet on May 8 at the Susquehanna Club in New Cumberland, Cumberland County starting at 5:00.

Click Here for information on becoming a sponsor of the dinner and contact Marci Mowery with any questions at 717-236-7644 or send email to: mmowery-ppff@pa.net. 

[Note: PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of this awards program.]

(Photo: Larry Williamson, Dan Devlin.)

NewsClips:

$1 Billion Needed To Fix State Parks, Forests Infrastructure, Pay For Maintenance

State Parks, Forest Advocates Calling For Action On Funding

Editorial: Respect State Parks: Report Cites Urgent Need For Improvements

Feb. 8 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

Op-Ed: Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund Needs To Be Reauthorized - DCNR Secretary Dunn

Letter: Green Spaces, Parks Are Invaluable Assets In Pennsylvania

Related Stories:

Gov. Wolf Proposes To Shift $75.7 Million From Environmental Funds To Pay Operating Costs Instead Of Funding Community-Based Projects

Gov. Wolf Proposes A $4.5 Billion, 4-Year Restore Pennsylvania Community & Environmental Infrastructure Investment Program

[Posted: Feb. 8, 2019]

2/11/2019