The Bureau of Land Managements (BLM) 2010 Excellence in Interpretation or Education Awards: Announcement of Winners
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENTWASHINGTON, D.C. 20240http://www.blm.govSeptember 17, 2010In Reply Refer To: 1115/8367 (172) PEMS TRANSMISSION 09/21/2010Information Bulletin No. 2010-118To: All Washington Office and Field Office OfficialsFrom: Director, National Landscape Conservation System and Community PartnershipsSubject: The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) 2010 "Excellence in Interpretation or Education" Awards: Announcement of WinnersWe are pleased to announce the selection of three winners in the BLM's 2010 "Excellence in Interpretation" Awards competition. They are:GOLD AWARD winner: Rachel Sowards-Thompson, Outdoor Recreation Planner, King Range National Conservation Area, Whitethorn California. Rachel has developed a remarkable variety of programs that engage audiences ranging from student groups to families. Her programs include the Lost Coast Life Lab which provides unique after-school field activities for elementary-school students, and the Paradise Royale Mountain Bike program, through which local youths build bike trails, learn about safe and ethical riding, and get to ride mountain bikes in the process.SILVER AWARD winner: Matthew "Matt" Christenson, BLM Oregon State Office, Portland, Oregon. Matt Christenson is the driving force behind Northwest Passage, the magazine about BLM Oregon/Washington. Established in 2008, the quarterly publication delivers breathtaking photos of the Pacific Northwest alongside compelling -- and sometimes humorous -- articles on BLM resources, programs, activities, news, policies, and technologies.SILVER AWARD winner: Joyce "Joya" Szalwinski, Park Ranger, BLM El Centro Field Office, California. Joya Szalwinski is dedicated to helping kids, families, and the off-highway vehicle (OHV) community safely recreate at the highly popular Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, while also learning about this dynamic environment. The 25 cards in her distinctive "Take It Outside! OHV Family Activity Cards" set cover topics ranging from safe riding to local topography, engaging both parents and children with fascinating facts and fun activities.Our GOLD and SILVER award winners have been invited to attend the "Excellence in Interpretation" awards ceremony on November 18, 2010, to be held in conjunction with the National Association for Interpretation's (NAI) 2010 National Workshop. This year's workshop will take place November 16-20, 2010, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Winners of the Hiram M. Chittenden Award (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), the Sense of Wonder Award (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), Gifford Pinchot Excellence in Interpretation and Conservation Education Award (USDA Forest Service), the Freeman Tilden Award (National Park Service), and NAI's Master Front-Line Interpreter and Master Interpretive Manager awards will also be acknowledged during this ceremony.Congratulations to our award winners and thanks to all who participated in the year's awards competition. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Brianna Candelaria, BLM Lead for Interpretation, at Brianna_Candelaria@blm.gov or (202) 912-7583.Signed by: Carl Rountree, National Landscape Conservation System and Community PartnershipsAuthenticated by: Robert M. Williams Director, Division of IRM Governance, WO-560