Mike Baltz Honored

On March 27, 2009, during an informal reception held in the Supervisor's Office of the Shawnee National Forest Mike Baltz was recognized for his years of work.

On March 27, 2009, during an informal reception held in the Supervisor's Office of the Shawnee National Forest Mike Baltz was recognized for his years of work with the Illinois Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Forest Supervisor Allen Nicholas presented Mike with a plaque and letter of commendation for his outstanding efforts in the partnership between TNC and the Forest.

Mike's efforts on behalf of TNC can be highlighted by the Shawnee National Forest's recent acquisition of two tracts of land, totaling approximately 221 acres, in Union County, Illinois. The most recent acquisitions bring the total to approximately 766 acres purchased from TNC as a result of the Forest working directly with Mike Baltz since 2004. We continue to work toward the acquisition of two additional tracts of land, totaling approximately 164 acres from TNC.

Mike Baltz' personal efforts working with local landowners and Forest Service staff played a major role in the successful relationships between the public, the Forest and TNC. The result of his exceptional people skills and hard work will be the long-lasting effects of more than 930 acres being acquired by the Forest in the ecologically significant Illinois Ozarks.

The lands acquired from TNC provide benefits to the wildlife and plant species inhabiting the Forest, as well as to the visiting public who comes to enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities offered on the Shawnee National Forest. Partnerships like these are one way the Forest works to protect ecosystems across boundaries.