Bureau of Land Management-Alaska's Anchorage District Manager Gary Reimer was honored as a 2009 Take Pride in America National Award recipient in a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on July 17. Reimer is one of 15 National Award winners who represent projects and events in 11 states.

 

Reimer received the Federal Land Manager Award for his promotion of volunteerism, youth participation and partnership development. “Gary exemplifies the BLM’s commitment to the sustainability of public lands for current and future generations," said BLM Acting Director Mike Pool. "Through his engagement of private and community based groups, he has greatly increased public awareness of and participation in the issues related to the management of BLM-administered lands.”

 

Reimer oversees the administration of 25 million acres of BLM-administered public lands in Alaska. He engages the state's citizens in the management of these lands and resources by fostering an environment of stewardship and responsibility among public land users. In both rural and urban areas of the district, he attends public events and talks with volunteers and partners to further build relationships. 

 

Under Reimer’s direction, the Anchorage District hosted four successful Take Pride in America events in 2008 that drew record numbers for participation. Partners included REI, the Municipality of Anchorage, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, faith-based organizations, high school service clubs, and individual volunteers.

 

Take Pride in America is a national partnership program aimed at increasing volunteer service on America’s public lands. Its annual awards recognize specific volunteer projects and efforts in a variety of categories, including youth organization, corporation, public/private partnership and individual, among others. The awards highlight events, projects, and programs targeted at maintaining or enhancing public lands.