The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is pleased to announce the winners of the BLM’s 2017 “Making a Difference” National Volunteer Awards for exceptional volunteer service on BLM-managed lands. This year’s winners were honored at a special awards ceremony that was held live via video teleconference on Wednesday, May 24th. “For over two decades, we have celebrated the contribution of dedicated BLM volunteers, and each year we are inspired by the enthusiasm and hard work of these outstanding people,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. “Congratulations to all the honorees this year — I thank you and all the remarkable BLM volunteers who share a common goal with our employees and partners to be excellent stewards of America’s public lands.” In 2016, over 27,000 volunteers contributed nearly 1 million hours of service valued at $23 million. The annual “Making a Difference” Award recognizes exceptional volunteers who have contributed thousands of hours improving the public lands. These hard-working volunteers have helped the BLM monitor cultural resources, improve fish habitats, keep campers safe, and provide environmental education, interpretation, and other visitor services. The 2017 awardees and their BLM nominating offices from Oregon are: Richard and Linda Crooks, Lifetime Achievement, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (OR). A national panel of BLM specialists and partner organization representatives selected the winners for their exceptional contributions to conservation and management of public lands. For more information, please contact Linda Schnee, BLM National Volunteer Program Lead, at (202) 912-7453 or lschnee@blm.gov.
