The Central California Consortium (CCC) received the US Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region "Diversity/Civil Rights Award" for their exemplary work in connecting youth and underserved communities in the Central Valley to National Forests. The CCC provides community outreach to educate underserved communities on their right to enjoy public lands and how to properly care for the environment. Honorees: Director Jim Oftedal, Marco Chavez, Mai Chou Thao, Veronica Garcia, Juana Rosas, Jose Zavala, Julissa Gonzales, Denya Shorter, Lilly Nieves and Melissa Souaykoumane.
The Sierra National Forest High Sierra Ranger District was awarded the distinctive honor as the US Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region "District of the Year." District Ranger Ray Porter and the employees of the High Sierra Ranger District were recognized for their exceptional teamwork and leadership in Natural Resource management and Environmental Planning. The District has found innovative ways to develop partnerships with community organizations and universities and works with the Central California Consortium for temporary and permanent employment opportunities.
Regional awardees were selected from nominations from the eighteen National Forests throughout California and the Regional Office in Vallejo.
"We are proud to pay special tribute to those who demonstrated outstanding professionalism, excellent customer service, and exemplary leadership in advancing the mission of the Forest Service," Regional Forester Randy Moore said. "We congratulate not just our winners, but all of the nominees for a job well done. The Pacific Southwest Region, the lands and the public are better for their contributions."
The award categories and winners were:
Ecological Restoration – All Lands: Amador-Calaveras Consensus Group, Eldorado/Stanislaus NFs
Ecological Restoration – Watershed and Forest Health: Deveree Kopp, San Bernardino NF
Ecological Restoration – Engaging Youth: Get to Know Team
Healthy Workforce/Workplace – Safety Leadership: Safety Focus Area Teams, Shasta-Trinity NF
Healthy Workforce/Workplace – Diversity/Civil Rights: Central California Consortium
Healthy Workforce/Workplace – Sustainable Operations: Regional Office Green Team
District of the Year: High Sierra Ranger District, Sierra NF
Partner of the Year: Ryan Henson, California Wilderness Coalition
Emergency Response: Salmon/Scott River Fuels Team, Klamath NF
Rookie of the Year: Scott Alguire, Los Padres NF
Highlights of the event included a visit from Forest Service Chief Thomas Tidwell and keynote speaker Stedman Graham.
