On October 27, the PA Parks and Forests Foundation is seeking nominations for its 2022 Annual Parks and Forests Awards which recognize the exemplary programs, services, staff and volunteers that have made a positive impact on the state’s parks and forests.

The deadline for nominations is December 15.

With a mission of stewardship through volunteerism and education, PPFF’s annual awards serve to recognize those who share in the commitment of conserving and enhancing our state’s natural resources, help to ensure a welcoming environment for all in the outdoors, and strive to protect public lands for future generations.

The award categories for public nomination include--

-- Park of the Year - This award is designed to recognize a park’s exemplary or innovative work in any or all of the following: customer service; education, programming or recreation; stewardship of the natural, cultural or historic assets; and/or accommodation of special needs of visitors.

-- Forest of the Year - This award is designed to recognize a forest district for its innovative and exemplary work in both forest management and recreation for a wide range of activities which include: the ability to provide opportunities for healthful, low-density recreational opportunities that are compatible with maintaining the integrity of forest ecosystems; to provide information and assistance to the public while ensuring public safety; and to promote and effectively use volunteers to enhance DCNR Bureau of Forestry's recreational programming, planning and development activities.

-- Volunteerism Awards - Up to three awards per year are given for recognition of achievements made by individuals, volunteer groups, or PPFF chapters. These awards honor those who have made a lasting, positive impression on the park or forest that they serve through Volunteerism, Improvement projects, or Education.

Awards, not available for public nomination, will also be presented for the following categories to awardees selected by the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Board--

-- Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award - This top honor recognizes an outstanding contribution to the protection and/or enhancement to the park and forest system in Pennsylvania.

-- Joseph Ibberson Government Award - Given to a person or department at any level of government, this award recognizes the stewardship work of Pennsylvania’s state park and state forest systems.

-- President’s Award - The President’s Award is designed to recognize outstanding citizens or businesses who have made an impact in protecting open space, conservation, outdoor recreation or volunteerism.

Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of PPFF Board members and special guests. Awards will be announced in May. Award ceremony details to be determined.

For all the details, visit the 2022 Annual Parks and Forests Awards webpage.

For more information on programs, initiatives, special events and how you can get involved, visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Foundation,  Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter or tune in to their YouTube Channel.  Click Here to become a member of the Foundation.

The Foundation and their 46 chapters mobilize 65,000 volunteers annually to steward YOUR state parks and forests.

Related Articles:

-- The Future Of Pennsylvania’s Parks and Forests Is in Our Hands; New Online StoryMap Describes Critical State Park, Forest Funding Needs

-- Guest Essay: Communities Should Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds In Conservation - Andy Loza, WeConservePA

[Posted: October 27, 2021]

11/1/2021