NEWS RELEASE

Take Pride In America® Announces Recipients of The 2006 National Award For Federal Land Managers

WASHINGTON – Take Pride in America Executive Director Michelle Cangelosi announced today the recipients of the 2006 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. Today’s awardees, representing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and National Park Service are honored for their innovative and creative approaches to using volunteers and growing their volunteer programs.

“These land managers demonstrate a keen ability to connect those who are willing to volunteer their time and efforts with projects that fulfill the needs of their local public lands sites,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “Through the successful management of volunteer resources, citizens are not only learning to care for their lands, but also realizing the impact their volunteerism has on their community.”

The 2006 Federal Land Manager Award recipients are listed below:

• Roy Lowe, Project Leader, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Newport, OR
• Tony Herrell, Field Manager, Bureau of Land Management; Carlsbad, NM
• Loredana (Donna) Potter, Mid-Pacific Regional Office, Bureau of Reclamation; Sacramento, CA
  
• Harold (Kip) Hagen, Superintendent, National Park Service; Scranton, PA
  
• K. Dewayne Shouse, Park Ranger, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Buckhorn, KY
  
• Ruby Seitz, Wildlife Biologist, USDA Forest Service; McKenzie Bridge, OR

“It is an honor to recognize these Federal employees who actively engage communities in caring for our public lands,” Cangelosi said. “By supporting the volunteer program at site and creating new opportunities for people to become involved, they support the mission of Take Pride.”

These individuals join a list of 22 previously announced volunteers who will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, DC on September 14.

Take Pride in America, an initiative within the U.S. Department of the Interior, is a nationwide partnership program that inspires Americans to volunteer in caring for their public lands. Their goal is to instill an active sense of ownership and responsibility in every citizen for natural, cultural and historic resources, and to support and recognize the efforts of those who volunteer for public lands. Through a web-based search engine, Take Pride offers a database for short-term and long-term volunteer projects on public lands, as well as assistance for project planning. Additionally, Take Pride rewards exceptional volunteer service by individuals and groups with awards and appreciation certificates. For more information, visit www.TakePride.gov.