BLM Elko Employee Wins National Fire Prevention Award
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ELKO, Nev. – Elko District employee Clint Mothershead has become the first BLM employee to receive a Smokey Bear Award since the program began in 1957.
Mothershead, who was awarded the 2017 Bronze award, has been the Fire Mitigation and Education Specialist on the Elko District for the last three years and is Chair of the Northeast Nevada Fire Prevention Group. The award is the highest honor given to organizations or individuals for outstanding wildfire prevention service that has had an impact within a state over a two year period. Only 10 Bronze awards are given out annually.
Mothershead was nominated by his supervisor, Matt Murphy, who cited his considerable contributions to wildfire prevention including managing a robust Northeast Nevada Fire Prevention Group, creating the Elko specific Next Steppe publication, developing and managing the Nevada Fire Prevention billboard campaign and coordinating with partners to further educate public on the subject of fire prevention.
“It’s an honor to receive this recognition, being from Elko and knowing multiple families who could be impacted by wildfire drives me a little harder to try and reach out to as many individuals possible,” said Mothershead. “I couldn't have been as successful as I have been if it wasn't for the support I have received from my family and friends as well as my supervisor; Matt Murphy, the BLM Nevada State Office, cooperating agencies and the firefighters who attend the events promoting wildfire prevention.”
The Smokey Bear Awards are the highest national award for outstanding work and significant program impacts in wildfire prevention. Since 1957, the award has been given to well deserving groups and individuals that excel in their duties. The National Association of State Foresters, the USFS and the Ad Council sponsor these awards.
“I can't take credit entirely for this award, great ideas were presented to me and it was my responsibility to make them happen,” added Mothershead.
Other accomplishments for Mothershead in 2016 include, 31 community assistance events, 2 special events, 28 mass media initiates, 2 communities assisted with distribution of fire prevention publications, coordinated 15 events with NNFPG and over 20,000 public contacts.
BLM Nevada Acting State Director Marci Todd surprised Mothershead with the award during a State Leadership Team Meeting in Reno on June 1.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.