Take Pride in America® Announces Recipients of the 2008 National Award for Federal Land Managers

Here's some "breaking news," as they say--yet another award for our volunteer program! This one recognizes Superintendent Dave Uberuaga as one of the nation's top federal land managers for his commitment to Mount Rainier's volunteer program. Here's the press release that went out today from Take Pride in America:

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Executive Director Katie Loovis announced the recipients of the 2008 Take Pride in America National Award in the Federal Land Manager category. Presented annually, Take Pride in America’s National Awards recognize outstanding volunteer projects and efforts in a variety of categories.

This year’s awardees, representing the National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation are honored for their innovative and successful approaches to recruiting volunteers and cultivating their volunteer programs.

"I take great pleasure in recognizing these outstanding Federal employees who continuously engage all levels of volunteers on our nation’s public lands," Loovis said. "By improving and increasing volunteer opportunities at their site, these individuals are providing a priceless service to their community, and especially to our lands. Take Pride in America proudly recognizes their service."

The following are the 2008 Federal Land Manager Award recipients:

• Charles Holbrook, Project Leader, Aransas/Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Austwell, TX
• Lynda Roush, Field Office Manager, Arcata Field Office, Bureau of Land Management; Arcata, CA
• David V. Uberuaga, Superintendent, Mount Rainier National Park, National Park Service; Mount Rainier, WA
• Doris Murphy, Park Ranger, Bardwell Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Forth Worth, TX
• Warren Sedlacek, National Resource Specialist, Lake Cascade Field Office, Bureau of Reclamation; Cascade, ID

These individuals join a list of eleven previously announced volunteers who will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on July 18.

Take Pride in America is a national partnership program aimed at increasing volunteer service on America’s public lands. It is the goal of Take Pride to empower volunteers from every corner of America to maintain and enhance our natural, cultural, and historical sites. Take Pride encourages citizen stewardship through an innovative public awareness campaign and an interactive website that showcases volunteer opportunities at natural and cultural sites.
For more information, visit www.TakePride.gov.

This award joins the Cooperative Conservation Award and George B. Hartzog Jr. Award presented to our volunteers earlier this year. Congratulations, Dave!