The PA Parks and Forest Foundation is now accepting nominations for its awards which recognize the outstanding service, programs and places which remind us of the exemplary work being done in parks and forests, by both staff and volunteers.

Nominations are due January 25.

Celebrate the importance of parks and forests by nominating a park, forest, or friends group that you think exemplifies the best of the best.

Pa Parks and Forests Foundation Keystone Legacy Award—This is the top honor—given to a group, individual, or business--chosen at the discretion of PPFF. It recognizes an outstanding contribution to the protection and/or enhancement to the park and forest system in Pennsylvania. For the first year, PPFF proposes to honor the living Civilian Conservation Corps Members that served in Pennsylvania.

Pa Parks and Forests Government Award—This is given to a person or department at any level of government to recognize their work in the stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state park and state forest systems.

Park of the Year—This award is designed to recognize a park for their exemplary or innovative work in any or all of the following: customer service; education, programming (e.g. events), or recreation; stewardship of the natural, cultural or historic assets; and/or accommodation of special needs of visitors.

Each state park region may nominate a park for consideration. The public may also nominate a park and nominations will be solicited through the website, flyers, and news advisories. Nominees will be reviewed and an award winner selected by an Awards Committee of Pa Parks and Forests Foundation.

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 the DCNR Bureau of Forestry's recreational programming, planning and development activities.

The DCNR Bureau of Forestry will nominate two districts for the consideration of this award and the public will be asked to nominate districts for consideration based upon the outlined criteria. Nominations will be reviewed and an award winner selected by an Awards Committee of Pa Parks and Forests Foundation.

Friends Groups Awards—up to three awards per year can be given for recognition of achievements made by friends groups. Nominations will be solicited from parks and friends groups, and awardees will be chosen by a PPFF committee, made up of PPFF board and non-board members. These awards represent organizations that have made a lasting, positive impression on the park or forest that they serve and that have advanced the mission of the Pa Parks and Forests Foundation and the DCNR.

Volunteerism Award: The group attracts and nurtures volunteers and actively engages them in a wide range of projects; the group logged in significant volunteer hours in proportion to the size and location of the park or forest; or the group has developed an innovative volunteer program.

Infrastructure Award: The group has completed capital improvement project(s) that benefited park or forest and park/forest users; provided ongoing maintenance or improvements to park infrastructure such as trails, buildings, etc; or innovatively protects the natural or cultural heritage of the park or forest.

Education Award: The group provides ongoing educational support or programming, provides a stewardship message through its events and programs, and/or organizes events that support the park and/or the gateway communities.

For more information on the awards, visit the PA Parks and Forest Foundation or send nominations to Marci Mowery, PPFF, by sending email to: mmowery-ppff@pa.net or calling 717-236-7644.

12/22/2006