Forest Service recognizes regional employees

PRESS RELEASE

Forest Service Employees Honored by Regional Forester

ASHEVILLE, N.C., Dec. 3, 2014 – A number of employees with the U.S. Forest Service in North Carolina recently received special awards for their service and dedication in fiscal year (FY) 2014. Last month, more than 20 employees were recognized by the U.S. Forest Service’s Regional Forester during a ceremony in Atlanta, Ga.

“I’m extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of our Forest Service employees,”said Kristin Bail, forest supervisor of the Forest Service’s National Forests in North Carolina. “These employees went above and beyond the call of duty to fulfill the agency’s mission, and they are among the Forest Service’s shining stars, performing high-quality work across the state.”

Group Award – Partners/Community Engagement

Sixteen Forest Service employees received a group award in the category of Partners/Community Engagement for exemplary work in demonstrating innovative approaches to building partnerships and strengthening relationships. The following team members received the award for their public engagement during revision of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests management plan: Ruth Berner, Heather Luczak, Diane Bolt, Sheryl Bryan, Erik Crews, Brady Dodd, Delce Dyer, Holly Hixson, Julie Moore, Susan Parker, Eric Pullium, Jason Rodrigue, Patrick Scott, Rodney Snedeker, Amber Vanderwolf and Stevin Westcott.

During FY 2014, the team conducted three public engagement sessions that attracted hundreds of stakeholders. These meetings broadened and deepened partner and community stakeholder connections and created a culture of inclusion. Technical presentations and interactive tasks combined to advance plan revision with the best ideas integrated with the best available science. Special outreach to local colleges and scout troops resulted in youth participation. They, along with the general public, adjacent landowners, interest group representatives, state and federal agency partners, and locally elected officials provided valuable information and ideas to advance plan revision. Also in FY 2014, meetings were held with members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian Tribe and the Catawba Indian Tribe. Since the Plan revision process began in 2012, the team has conducted more than 17 public meetings.

Group Award – Partners/Community Engagement

Five Forest Service employees received a group award in the category of Partners/Community Engagement for their outstanding effort in developing and enhancing community relationships with the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The following employees received the group award: Lauren Stull, Terinda Whisenant, Roger Smoker, Julie Moore and Andrew Triplett.

On July 16, 2014, Forest Service leaders, members of EBCI and the public gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Snowbird Youth Center. The youth center was constructed near the Cheoah Ranger District office on 20 acres of the Nantahala National Forest. The close proximity to the district office will foster more collaboration between the Cherokees and the Forest Service and benefit Cherokee youth. The new youth center serves ages 5 through 18 with programs including Cherokee Language classes, social skills development, cultural craft classes, a computer lab and physical fitness programs. The center is affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club of America and will help connect kids with nature and the great outdoors.

Individual Award – Partners/Community Engagement

Schenck Job Corp Academic Manager Jimmy Copeland received an individual award in the category of Partners/Community Engagement. The award was in honor of Copeland’s excellence in the development and implementation of AmeriCorps and Public Lands Corps Partnerships and Agreements with Forest Service Job Corps, Southern Research Station and the National Forests in North Carolina.

Law Enforcement and Investigations Award