Four proud PWVs (Jan Creager, Chair; Margaret Shaklee, Treasurer; Don Creager, Secretary; and Jim Shaklee, Chair Elect) recently traveled to Washington, D.C. on behalf of Poudre Wilderness Volunteers to accept the 2010 national Take Pride in America award for a non-profit organization.
Take Pride in America is a nationwide partnership program authorized by Congress to promote the appreciation and stewardship of our nation’s public lands. The Take Pride in America program is administered by the Department of the Interior for the benefit of all public lands at all levels of government nationwide.
In addition to promoting public lands stewardship, Take Pride in America recognizes and honors outstanding volunteers through its annual national awards ceremony. Individuals, groups, organizations, programs, and federal land managers are honored for their contributions to our public lands and for their efforts in utilizing volunteers in creative and innovative ways.
Presented annually, the Take Pride in America National Awards recognize outstanding stewardship projects and organizations or awareness efforts involving federal, state, and local lands and waters. Winners are chosen by a selection committee. Nominated projects and efforts must embody the goals of Take Pride in America, which are to:
Instill in the public an appreciation for and awareness of federal, state, and local lands, facilities, and natural and cultural resources.
AND
Encourage an attitude of stewardship and responsibility in caring for these lands, facilities, and resources.
Outstanding Non-Profit Organization – Poudre Wilderness Volunteers
“Since 1995, the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers (PWV) have worked closely with the U.S. Forest Service, serving as the “eyes and ears” of the USFS by patrolling approximately 250 miles of trails. PWV is an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff. Their mission is to assist the Canyon Lakes Ranger District in managing and protecting the wilderness and backcountry areas while educating the public who visit these areas. In 2009, 228 PWV members put in over 22,000 hours of service. They surveyed trail conditions, assisted visitors, promoted wilderness stewardship and repaired any damages to the trails. Members of PWV are dedicated to implementing positive land stewardship and giving back to the land. In 2009, the 15 Trail Crew [participants] removed 352 downed trees and constructed 10 new water bars, 3 new grade dips, 27 new puddle drains, 4 culverts, and 15 rock cairns! The work of PWV keeps trails accessible, the visitors and volunteers safe, and most importantly, lets the public have fun outdoors!”
Other 2010 Take Pride in America Award Categories and Winners:
- Federal Land Manager – National Park Service: William Dickinson (Nevada)
- Federal Land Manager – U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Dawn Grafe (Oregon)
- Federal Land Manager – Bureau of Land Management: Eric Morgan (Texas)
- Federal Land Manager – U.S. Corps of Engineers: Richard Stokes (Arkansas)
- Federal Land Manager – U.S. Forest Service: Jane Weber (Montana)
- Outstanding Individual Volunteer – Dan Arant (Washington, D.C.)
- Outstanding Individual Volunteer – Jim Cox (New Mexico)
- Outstanding Government Program – Natural Area Preservation (Michigan)
- Outstanding Public Private Partnership – Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (Colorado)
- Outstanding School Program – Coronado High School InterAct Club (Texas)
- Outstanding Business – Salt River Tubing’s Canoe & Beach Patrol (Arizona)
- Outstanding Federal Volunteer Event – Harpers Ferry National Historical Park’s Volunteer Program (West Virginia)
- Outstanding State Volunteer Program – Virginia State Parks Youth Corps (Virginia)
- Outstanding Youth Volunteer Program – The Salamander Education and Environmental Discovery Project (Ohio)