2022 Volunteer and Service Awards

Citizen Stewardship & Partnerships

Alpine Watershed Group, Humboldt-Toiyabe, Intermountain Region

Throughout the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the Alpine Watershed Group has supported volunteerism and grassroots efforts by community members and other stakeholders. The Alpine Watershed Group’s contribution to outreach and environmental education in 2022 benefited locals, tourists, fishermen, backpackers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The group’s promotion of sustainable community and science-based collaborative solutions matches the mutual goals of the United States Forest Service.

Cultural Diversity

Advanced Women's+ Fire & Fuels Crew, 2022, Conservation Legacy - Conservation Corps of North Carolina, Croatan National Forest, Southern Region

The Advance Women's Fire & Fuels Crew has demonstrated professionalism, bearing, competence, confidence, leadership transformation, and stewardship. As well as navigating a challenging operating environment, the Crew demonstrates a deep respect for the environment as well as diversity in adversity. As a result of these attributes, Advanced Women's Fire & Fuels Crew won the 2022 Cultural Diversity Award.

Enduring Service

Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands, Rocky Mountain Region

The initiative has been in operation for 74 years and has contributed $11 million in in-kind labor and services (over 550,000 hours) as well as setting the vision for future stewardship. There have been 493,662 hours (or 274 person years) contributed by Colorado Fourteeners Initiative volunteers over the past 20 years. A dedication to service and responsibility, as well as a passion to preserve our public lands, make Colorado's Fourteeners Initiative a great candidate for the Enduring Service Award.

Restoration Tonto

Wildlife Biologist Camden Bruner, Tonto National Forest, Southwestern Region

Camden's contributions informed the trends of Arizona's hedgehog cactus and the effects of the recent Telegraph Fire. Following the wildfire, Camden collected post-fire data, including overall health status and percent of stems burned, under the guidance of Desert Botanical Garden staff Raul Puente and Lane Butler. Camden's efforts have led to exceptional results in natural resource management. In this way, national forests can operate more productively, sustainably, and improve the quality of life.

Leadership

Ascend Wilderness Experience, Shasta- Trinity National Forest, Pacific Southwest Region

The Ascend Wilderness Experience is a non-profit organization that works with students, volunteers, and staff of all backgrounds and experiences on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. By training and developing a community of stewards, they have inspired others within Trinity County and other regions of the world about the importance of wilderness ethics for future generations.