BLM Wyoming volunteer receives national Lifetime Achievement Award
Organization:
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - The Bureau of Land Management announced that Vic Orr has been selected as a Lifetime Achievement award winner in BLM’s 2022 “Making a Difference” National Volunteer Awards.
Orr has served as the leader of the volunteer youth group known as CORE (Conservation Outdoor Recreation Education) for 23 years. The CORE program has provided BLM Rock Springs Field Office with labor needed to complete important maintenance projects at high use recreation sites. This includes: building fence, painting facilities, replacing and installing fire pits and picnic tables, replacing damaged signage, clearing downed trees, and removing invasive weed species.
Orr spearheaded these projects, building the skills and self-confidence of Wyoming youth while helping them develop an appreciation for their public lands. He also teaches the CORE youth about Leave No Trace, wilderness first aid, fire safety, plant and animal identification, and exploration. Orr provides these youth with incredible opportunities to connect with their public lands, engage with their peers, and feel rewarded in their work.
“He is an incredible leader and role model for these youth and inspires a pride and work ethic that sticks with them long after the program,” said Rock Springs Field Manager Kimberlee Foster.
Orr will be recognized for his service and contributions to the BLM as one of nine national winners at a virtual awards ceremony, scheduled for June 15.
CAPTIONS:
PHOTO: 2016 CORE kids group – Vic Orr (center in back) and a group of CORE kids stand near a project where they installed around 40 wooden bollards at the Sweetwater Guard Station Campground to keep vehicles on designated routes. They also replaced all the cracked concrete securing 9 of the 12 fire rings at the campsite.
PHOTO: 2016 CORE Kids – Vic Orr (left) working with youth volunteers to install bollards at the Sweetwater Guard Station Campground.
-BLM-
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.