The Bureau of Land Managements (BLM) 2013 Excellence in Interpretation or Education Awards: Announcement of Winners

IB 2014-008
Information Bulletin

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENTWASHINGTON, D.C. 20240http://www.blm.gov/November 4, 2013In Reply Refer To:1115, 8362 (420) P EMS TRANSMISSION 11/04/2013Information Bulletin No. 2014-008 To:                   All Washington Office and Field Office OfficialsFrom:              Assistant Director, National Landscape Conservation System and Community PartnershipsSubject:           The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) 2013 “Excellence in Interpretation or Education” Awards:  Announcement of WinnersWe are pleased to announce the selection of two winners in the BLM’s 2013 “Excellence in Interpretation or Education” Awards competition. They are:GOLD AWARD winner: Holly Beck, Bruneau Field Office, IdahoHolly was instrumental in the development and construction of ethnobotany interpretative panels and a sage-grouse habitat demonstration garden at the BLM Boise District Office. The garden highlights the traditional use of native plants by First Americans and early European settlers, and demonstrates the relationship between sage-grouse life cycles and vegetation types.  The garden allows visitors to gain an appreciation for the challenges of multiple-use management and the importance of understanding and balancing the needs of diverse public land resources and users.SILVER AWARD winner: Kathi Fine, High Desert District Office, WyomingRecognizing a need to assist wild horse adopters in working with their new companions, Kathi developed the Mustang Versatility Trail Ride Buckle Series, monthly summer events that include trail rides, obstacle course runs, and timed challenges for mustang adopters and other horse enthusiasts.  Kathi also produced an educational component for local wild horse adoption events, which provided over 310 local fourth-graders the opportunity to see, touch, and learn about wild horses and the BLM’s role in managing them.  The Mustang Series is now a very popular annual event with increasing numbers of participants of all ages from surrounding communities.Our award winners will be acknowledged at the “Excellence in Interpretation” awards ceremony on November 7, 2013, to be held in conjunction with the National Association for Interpretation’s (NAI) 2013 National Workshop.  Winners of the Hiram M. Chittenden Award (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), Sense of Wonder Award (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service), Gifford Pinchot Excellence in Interpretation and Conservation Education Award (U.S. Forest Service), 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 this year’s awards competition.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Brianna Candelaria, BLM’s National Lead for Interpretation, at (202) 912-7583 or BCandela@blm.gov. Signed by:                                                       Authenticated by:Christopher J. McAlear                                   Robert M. WilliamsActing, Assistant Director,                             Division of IRM Governance,WO-580National Landscape Conservation System   and Community Partnerships  

Office

National Office

Fiscal Year

2014