#easternstates

A huge thanks to volunteers!

A huge thank you to volunteers that have devoted countless hours of hard work and passion to ensuring our public lands are maintained and enjoyed. The BLM recently  honored a few of the outstanding volunteers that contribute to helping the BLM serve the American public at the 24th annual “Making a Difference” National Volunteer Awards ceremony.

Outstanding Achievement Award: Roy Thorton, Idaho

Native Idahoan and year-round BLM volunteer, Roy Thornton, has been honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition for his 2000+ hours of educating visitors about campsites, fires, river flow levels and more. He also loans his tools for repairs, gives campers a ride to town or will help to fix their car. His kind and passionate efforts have helped the BLM in Idaho increase its revenue and permit compliance.

Outstanding Achievement Award: Blake Ramos-Manz, Sergio Ramos-Manz, and Dylan Brennan, New Mexico

Blake Ramos-Manz, Sergio Ramos-Manz, and Dylan Brennan make up the dream team that help staff and manage the Wild Rivers Recreation Area within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico. This small but mighty volunteer team manages five campgrounds, 27 campsites and over 36 miles of trail. These three men are receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award for their hard work and heroic acts that saved a stranded family on a snowy trail.  While running daily routines on the trails, the men encountered an elderly couple with three grandchildren stuck with snow piled on top of their vehicle. After an hour of digging, they were able to get the family back on safe road. Well deserved!

Outstanding Achievement Award: Thomas Parkinson and Peter Kearns, Arizona

Thomas Parkinson and Peter Kearns are BLM volunteers that have given 400 hours of their time at Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in Arizona. They have installed many wildlife escape ramps, completed several fence repairs, assisted local ranchers and helped visitors find their way. These two men have been recognized for their great work with the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Group Excellence Award: Pedal United, Montana

New and improved mountain bike trails can be found in Montana at the Acton Recreation Area. Volunteers from Pedal United, of the International Mountain Biking Association, have developed more than 28 miles of mountain bike trails and trailhead facilities. Last year, these committed volunteers completed an amazing feat: 10.1 miles of new trail in less than four months. Their accomplishments and future plans are recognized through the Group Excellence Award.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Walt and Kathy Horsfall, Arizona

Walt and Kathy Horsfall have been recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their 13 years of service as site hosts to the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area in Arizona. Whether it was collecting data, helping visitors plan their trip or supporting youth conservation crews, Walt and Kathy’s have worked hard to share their appreciation for public lands.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Tracy Greenwood, California

Since June 2000, Tracy Greenwood has single-handedly managed and operated the Briceberg Visitor Center at Merced River Recreation Area in California. She prepares the education center, stocks and decorates for each season, takes inventory and more. Tracy’s dedication over the years has exemplified the BLM’s mission and is well-deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Phil and Chriscinda Jamison, Eastern States

Phil and Chriscinda Jamison have supported  the Wild Horse and Burro Program in the BLM’s Eastern States for 15 years. The Jamisons assist with adoption events, conduct routine compliance inspections, respond to animal needs and more. In 2014, they also opened a trail riding business using only mustangs and have led over 350 trail rides annually. Their efforts have helped find homes for dozens of mustangs and have been awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award.