On Oct. 14, the National Park Service recognized employees making significant contributions to wilderness with its Wes Henry National Excellence in Wilderness Stewardship Awards. The Park Service held the award ceremony and dinner in conjunction with its Wilderness Leadership Council meeting in Olympic Park, Washington. During the ceremony, the Park Service’s Wilderness Stewardship and Recreation Management Program presented awards for 2006 and 2007.

The following individuals and group representatives were on hand to accept their awards:

Jan van Wagtendonk –  2006 Individual Award

Wagtendonk, a scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey, accepted his award for his achievements in wilderness stewardship through his study and modeling of ecological and social impacts of recreational use of parks. His study resulted in a model to determine recreational capacities in wilderness areas.

Denali National Park and Preserve –  2006 Group Award

Paul Anderson, the superintendent of Denali National Park and Preserve, accepted the group award on behalf of the park and preserve. Park Service recognized Denali for it extensive work with other agencies, organizations, and the public in developing their Backcountry Management Plan. The plan is improving the future of wilderness management in Denali National Park and the Alaska region.

Judy Alderson –  2007 Individual Award

Alderson, an environmental specialist, with the Park Service’s Alaska Regional Office, accepted her award for being a role model of national excellence in wilderness stewardship and her unwavering spirit of service for wilderness. She has spent several decades ensuring that wilderness throughout the United States is valued and protected.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, 2007 Group Award

Gregg Fauth, wilderness manager, represented Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, in accepted the group award. The Park Service recognized the park for dealing with the challenge of reducing low-level military overflights of the parks wilderness for more than three decades and developing a long-term program of Overflight Management and Education. Their actions have resulted in higher quality wilderness character and experiences for the visitors of the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness.

These recipients are at the forefront of undaunted wilderness stewardship and they have achieved remarkable results in enhancing understanding and appreciation of our nation’s wilderness.