News Releases for October 2004
October 7, 2004
Contact: Thomas A. Balzer, Recreation Division Manager, North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, 701-328-5348
Governor Hoeven Presents Take Pride in America Awards Volunteers Recognized for Improving Public Lands and Waterways
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. Hoeven today presented the Governor’s Take Pride in America Awards in six categories to recognize individuals and organizations for their volunteer activities to improve state public lands and waterways. The awards were presented during a ceremony at the State Capitol in Bismarck.
Loran Palmer of West Fargo was presented the individual award for his work with the Cass County Wildlife Club to upgrade the public shooting range in the Fargo area, including creating and maintaining shooting areas, range clean-ups, fencing, target repairs, and signing. Loran has also served as a volunteer hunter education instructor for the past six year.
Helping Hands Program sponsored by the Grand Forks Public School System received the Youth/School Groups award for their four-year-old program that provides youth ages 12-18 an opportunity to participate in volunteer activities and outreach during the summer months. This past year the program included 80 students who provided over 4,000 volunteer hours.
Southwest Anglers Association based in Dickinson was presented the award in the civic or community group classification. Their work in support of the Patterson Lake fishery has included reef projects and trappings and removal of undesirable fish. Their community service, organization and fund raising have led to other projects including boat ramps, docks, fish cleaning stations and access roads. They also worked on the construction of a handicapped fishing pier on the Dickinson Dike.
International Mountain Biking Association received the award in the corporation/business category. They have provided trail building workshops at Turtle River State Park, the Maah Daah Hey Trail, and recently completed a demonstration trail at Lake Sakakawea State Park complete with instructional signing to educate the public on proper trail building techniques and why proper trail building is necessary to protect the environment and to provide recreational opportunities. Accepting the award was Aileen Luethe from Bismarck. Aileen and her husband Ron are the Co-State Representative for the State of North Dakota.
---
Scott Peterson was recognized as the state land manager for his work at the Lonetree Wildlife Management Area near Harvey. Peterson was cited for his innovative approach to engaging volunteers and his extensive work on sections of the North Country Trail and habitat enhancements.
Lonnie Halverson of Wahpeton received the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for his lifetime commitment to volunteerism. Lonnie has contributed countless hours of service in the restoration and repair of the Prairie Rose Carousel, a 1926 Spillman, 20 hour/two-chariot carousel in Chahinkapa Park. He continues to donate his time as the volunteer carousel manager.
“Our public lands and waterways are among North Dakota’s great attractions,” said Gov. Hoeven. “Partnering with our citizens and local organizations to preserve these attractions is a win-win for everyone. I commend all of our award winners for volunteering their service and for helping us in our continuing efforts to make North Dakota the best place to live, work, play and visit.”
Take Pride in America is a national partnership that recruits, supports and recognizes volunteers who work to improve public lands and waters. The partnership involves federal, state and local governments; conservation, youth and recreation groups; businesses and organizations. At the direction of Gov. Hoeven, the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department and the North Dakota Tourism Division coordinated North Dakota’s participation in the program.
E-mail comments to the Governor
