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Holiday Gift Idea: Visit hundreds of federal sites all year without paying entrance fees: America the Beautiful Pass
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In the News: N NPS partnerships are making news in Fairbanks and Mat-Su, Alaska, Paso Robles, Lakeport, and Arcata, California. Also, Bikes Belong awards grant to the Housatonic Valley NHA in CT and MA.
Shutterbugs: Enter the 2011 Federal Recreation Lands Photo Contest. Entries due Dec. 31.
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Conservation+Recreation Gives Thanks |
Gratitude is deep in the nature of partnerships. Collaborating with hard-working state and local government employees, creative nonprofit organizers, and passionate community leaders leaves us grateful every day. That's why we give a "Tip of the Hat" to a partner in every issue.
Since this is a season for Thanksgiving, we're using this entire issue to recognize some of these inspiring partners who do so much to get people outside and to protect the outdoors.
We really like working with all of you -- thanks for giving us that opportunity!
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A Tip of the Hat to...
Holly Harris Konocti Regional Trails Volunteer, Calif.
Holly Harris is a rare gem of a volunteer with passion, persistence, and vibrancy that has created a constituency and powerful force for creation of a Konocti Regional Trails System in Lake County, California. Holly has invested hundreds of hours as a community volunteer working in partnership with Lake County and others, to shape and promote a Clear Lake Water Trails program. This effort is attracting regional and national attention and increased visitation to this beautiful, captivating place, so often overlooked by outdoor enthusiasts. A series of paddling guides were developed nearly single-handedly by Holly and today these are being scooped up by eager paddlers. Beyond the water trails, Holly's vision and round-the-clock investments are shaping a framework for future trails along the lakeshore and on the ridgeline, connecting communities to unique places and resources throughout the county. Residents and visitors alike will have greater opportunities to enjoy Lake County's pristine natural amenities as a result of Holly's effort and commitment.
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A Tip of the Hat to...
| C.Southerland/Hawkinsville Dispatch & News |
Karen Hunt Hawkinsville-Pulaski Riverfront Park Advisory Council, Georgia
Karen Hunt is the reason why Hawkinsville-Pulaski County has a new blueway and riverfront park. To create the blueway, Karen wrote grants, organized meetings, and collaborated with partners on every detail of the new park from the text for tree identificationplacards to meeting contractors to finalize placement of new signs. Karen helped develop Powerpoint presentations and spoke to numerous government committees and organizations to increase community support and engagement for the project.
Charlotte Gillis, a National Park Service Landscape Architect, says "Working with Karen on the blueway was like having a full-time partner rather than a part-time volunteer." Charlotte helped the effort through the NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program.
The new blueway is 14 miles long and incorporates two boat launches in Hawkinsville. It is part of the Ocmulgee River Blueway, a 54-mile blueway on the Ocmulgee River connecting Warner Robins and Hawkinsville in central Georgia. The 24-acre riverfront park will offer water access points and opportunities for hiking, camping, and environmental education. Karen is also a member of the board of directors of Hawkinsville Better Hometown and the Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Pulaski Historical Commission. Check out this video of Karen talking about the blueway!
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A Tip of the Hat to...
Robert L. Cothern President, Black Canyon City Community Association, Arizona
Effective leadership is critical to project success and Bob Cothern is that key ingredient for the successful Black Canyon City Heritage Park Project. Since retiring from Lockheed Martin Missile and Space Co. in 2000, Bob has immersed himself in community service and among his many responsibilities has led the charge to create a 30-acre riverside sanctuary for migratory birds and endangered native fish, to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages and abilities.
Bob's versatility and humility are two attributes that are making a difference for the park project. Whether it's cleaning toilets or meeting with elected officials Bob does whatever is needed to get the job done!
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A Tip of the Hat to...
Leanne Manning
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Educator
Leanne Manning oversees multiple youth projects in her county including Crete Youth in Governance, in which she guides Crete High School students in partnering with adults to improve their community. The students have a track record of conducting community forums and implementing projects that are improving their community and region. Under Leanne's guidance, students are learning what it takes to run a city!
One successful project has been to coordinate with the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program and the students to create the Tuxedo Park Community Trails Plan. The draft plan is now complete and the students will make their final presentation to the City Council in August. They are already working with the Crete Board of Public Works Manager to submit a Bikes Belong grant application. The first phase of the trail will be ready to use by next spring.
Leanne is not only working to improve the recreational facilities in her area, but she's also empowering local youth to engage their government and make a difference in their community.
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A Tip of the Hat to...
Geoffrey Orth
Alaska Trails Board President
Geoffrey Orth has a knack for getting communities excited about the many benefits of well-designed, sustainable trails. As president of the nonprofit, Alaska Trails, Geoff continues year after year to help the organization provide top-notch trails training from Barrow to Kodiak.
Geoff has helped bring the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) to Alaska on numerous occasions to raise the bar through trail training. Recently, Geoff helped secure over $55,000 from the Alaska Recreational Trails Program and Bikes Belong to design and construct 8� miles of the Ester Dome Singletrack Trails in Fairbanks. Now Geoff is collaborating with Gravity Logic (the designers behind the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in Canada) to develop some of America's best mountain biking routes in Alaska.
"In Alaska, we're lucky to have someone as knowledgeable and energetic about trails as Geoff, says Heather Rice with the NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program in Anchorage. "Simply put, Geoff just 'gets' everything about trails, from big-picture planning to on-the-ground building. He's amazing!" In fact, the whole Alaska RTCA staff says "Thank you for all that you do, Geoff!"
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A Tip of the Hat to...
Caroline Kurz River Management Society Program Director (retired)
For the past fifteen years Caroline has served as the Program Director at the River Management Society. This national non-profit professional organization works to support professionals who study, protect, and manage North America's rivers. Caroline has worked closely with the National Park Service and other federal agencies to promote and support river conservation at the state and local level. She's been a leader in developing technical resources for river management professionals and organizing conferences featuring key river conservation opportunities, including wild and scenic rivers, hydropower licensing, and water trails. The river management community said farewell to a valuable leader with Caroline's retirement in September; we wish Caroline the best of luck in her next adventure and thank her for her dedication and hard work.
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A Tip of the Hat to...
Jonathan LaBonte Exec. Director, Androscoggin Land Trust, Maine
Jonathan LaBonte is always two steps ahead of the rest of us in figuring out how to connect people to the land and conserve the heritage and landscapes in his part of Maine. Jonathan seizes opportunities and creates them. He sees the bigger picture while also attending to the crucial details of building and maintaining relationships and making things happen for the Androscoggin Land Trust.
NPS planner Julie Isbill gets to work with Jonathan. "Under Jonathan's leadership, acres have been conserved, and managed well, trails have been built, and people have been invited to the river and beyond," says Julie. She also says "I could go on...." but we insisted she keep it short. Hats off to you, Jonathan.
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A Tip of the Hat to...
Dan Plath and Gina Darnell Northwest Indiana Paddling Association
Over the last year as president of the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association (NWIPA), Dan Plath has organized hundreds of members to help put the Northwest Indiana region "on the map" for great urban paddling opportunities.
Likewise, NWIPA Blueways Stewardship Committee Chairperson Gina Darnell has helped to ensure that recreation opportunities include a volunteer stewardship focus for conservation of resources.
NWIPA has recently learned that it is being awarded the "Stroke of Achievement" Award by the American Canoe Association in recognition of the Club's superior performance and program development.
Dan and Gina have partnered with NPS for projects on the Little Calumet River, which flows through the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, and for the Lake Michigan Water Trail initiative which is developing a multi-state long-distance water trail.
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A Tip of the Hat to...
Rick Just Chief of Planning Idaho Dept. of Parks and Recreation
Rick Just has devoted untold hours over the past year to serve as President of the National Association of Recreation Resource Planners (NARRP), which connects outdoor recreation professionals nationwide and promotes access to the outdoors for all. This is one of Rick's many personal and professional roles, but he manages to keep a smooth demeanor and cool head while managing all those responsibilities.
On August 3, Rick coordinated the very first national webinar on producing Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans. These plans are a basic eligibility requirement for states seeking federal financial assistance through the Land and Water Conservation Fund's State Assistance Program, administered by the National Park Service. With Rick's encouragement and the guidance available through the archived webinar, these documents can now approach a new standard. This first Webinar was "sold out" and from all reports was a success!
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A Tip of the Hat to...
The Billings Park
Commission
Alison Clarkson (chair), Chris Lloyd and Don Wheeler (official commissioners) and Annette Compton and Peter Davenport (unofficial but equally essential) lead the Billings Park Commission in overseeing management of two important parks in Woodstock, Vermont: Billings Park and Mt. Peg. These two parks are critical links in the 30-mile, 1,000-acre Woodstock Trails system. Billings Park is a popular gateway to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.
"The Billings Park Commissioners have been amazing partners in the Woodstock Trails Partnership since their inception six years ago," says Jennifer Waite of the National Park Service. "Alison, Chris, Don, Annette and Peter wear hats as non-profit partners, event coordinators, community outreachers, grant writers, sign installers, and even as ice-cream scoopers at the Trek to Taste event [photo]. Many hats off to them!"
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Let's Work Together
Could your project benefit from collaboration with a National Park Service specialist? If you're restoring a river, building a community trail, or making an urban park flourish, we'd love to talk with you about ways we could work together. Call or email your regional representative today.
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Like what you read? Please copy or forward this newsletter. Have a story idea? We're happy to consider story ideas or news items for future publication. Want to use a story for your own publication? We would be pleased to help you. To submit an idea or request information about adapting a story, please contact Alan Turnbull: 202-354-6930 or [email protected]
Conservation + Recreation is written to support and inform our organizational partners, friends of the program, potential partners, and Department of the Interior staff. It's our chance to share activities and successes and those of our partners. For details on specific projects, please contact the staff person involved with each project.
Images courtesy National Park Service |
Like what you read? Please copy or forward this newsletter. Have a story idea? We're happy to consider story ideas or news items for future publication. Want to use a story for your own publication? We would be pleased to help you. To submit an idea or request information about adapting a story, please contact Alan Turnbull: 202-354-6930 or [email protected]
Conservation + Recreation is written to support and inform our organizational partners, friends of the program, potential partners, and Department of the Interior staff. It's our chance to share activities and successes and those of our partners. For details on specific projects, please contact the staff person involved with each project.
Images courtesy National Park Service
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