The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation announced the recipients of the 2008 State Park and Forest Awards this week which recognized seven groups, facilities and individuals for exemplary service, programs and work to protect and enhance the State Park and forest system.

The award winners will be honored at a dinner at the Harrisburg Country Club on May 6. Sen. Rob Wonderling (R-Montgomery) will emcee the event.

The top honor, the Keystone Legacy Award, sponsored by Woolrich, Inc., will be presented to Rose Chase, who in 1979, helped to champion the protection of the Goat Hill Serpentine Barrens, a 300-acre unique ecosystem home to rare plant and animal species in southeastern Chester County.

The Barrens were threatened by a proposed blasting quarry and under Rose's leadership, citizens rallied to protect the special habitat. With the help of The Nature Conservancy, the property was purchased and eventually transferred to the then Department of Environmental Resources.

"Rose to this day, refuses to take full credit for the success of the project," said Marci Mowery, President of the Foundation. "It was her energy, drive and charm that paved the way for others to rally in support of the Barrens and resulted in its ultimate protection."

Other award recipients include:

· Government Award (sponsored by Mr. Joseph Ibberson) - Jerry Walls, Retired (2007) Executive Director and CEO of the Lycoming Planning Commission, was given in recognition of his work to protect the natural and recreational assets of Lycoming County.

· Park of the Year (sponsored by PPL Corporation) - Moraine State Park, Butler County, for their exemplary role in working with diverse user groups, park improvements, commitment to recreation, and volunteerism.

· Forest of the Year (sponsored by Dominion) - Tioga State Forest, spanning Bradford and Tioga Counties, for it's role in the development of the Pine Creek Rail Trail.

· Friends Group Volunteerism Award (sponsored by Pa Parks and Recreation Society) - Mountaineer Search and Rescue, Elk State Forest, for their outstanding work assisting in, or managing, search and rescue efforts in Elk State Forest and surrounding areas, as well as construction and maintenance of hiking trails.

· Friends Group Improvement Award (sponsored by Lentz, Cantor & Massey, Ltd.) - Friends of the Delaware Canal, Delaware Canal State Park, Bucks County, for their outstanding restoration and stewardship work to maintain and improve the Delaware Canal and its surroundings.

· Friends Group Education Award (sponsored by Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania) - Friends of Laurel Hill State Park, Somerset County, for their outstanding stewardship and educational efforts at Laurel Hill State Park.

The public is invited to attend the awards banquet which will be held on May 6 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 30.

The banquet reception is sponsored by INFOSPHERIX, now part of the Active Network.

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is a statewide non-profit organization that supports the 117 state parks and 2.1-million acres of forest through donations and volunteer coordination.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation website or call 717-236-7644.

4/25/2008