![Volunteer Highlights](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170128050036im_/https://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/wo/Communications_Directorate.Par.42505.Image.-1.-1.1.gif)
| | 2016 National Volunteer Award Winners ![2016 National Volunteer Award Winners](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170128050036im_/https://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/wo/Law_Enforcement/nlcs/education__interpretation/volunteers.Par.92089.Image.-1.-1.1.gif) ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170128050036im_/https://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/wo/Law_Enforcement/nlcs/education__interpretation/volunteers.Par.23789.Image.-1.-1.1.gif)
The Bureau of Land Management presented its prestigious “Making a Difference” National Volunteer Awards for outstanding volunteer service in 2015 on BLM-managed lands in a national videoconference on Thursday, June 2. Top BLM leaders recognized the award winners via live videoconference. Staff at the BLM’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. hosted the conference, which connected to five states around the country. Two winners were in attendance at the BLM’s Washington Office.
“We have held this ceremony for 21 years, and each year we find new inspiration in the dedication and hard work of BLM volunteers,” said BLM Director Neil Kornze. “Congratulations to all the honorees this year—you and all the exceptional BLM volunteers represent all those willing to stand together as our partners in the stewardship of America’s public lands, each and every year.”
In 2015, BLM volunteers contributed more than 1 million hours, equating to more than $24 million of service and 577 work years. 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 BLM to improve fish habitat, keep campers safe, find homes for wild horses and burros, and provide environmental education and other visitor services. A new “Group Excellence” category this year recognizes the contributions of volunteer groups.
The volunteers selected for this year’s awards are: • Bill Mackie (Outstanding Achievement), Lake Havasu Field Office, Arizona; • Sharron Evans (Outstanding Achievement), Utah State Office; • Danny and Barbara Frye (Outstanding Achievement), Butte Field Office, Montana; • Asha Lela (Lifetime Achievement), San Juan Islands National Monument, Washington; • Jack and Sandy Gasser (Lifetime Achievement), Yuma Field Office, Arizona; • Horsetown Clear Creek Preserve (Group Excellence), Redding Field Office, California; • Lesly Smith (Employee Winner), Wyoming State Office; • Shanita McLean (Outstanding Youth), Eastern States Office, Virginia.
A national panel of BLM specialists and partner representatives selected the award winners from dozens of nominees submitted by BLM state offices. The winners demonstrated exceptional contributions to the conservation and management of public lands. Check out the BLM's "Making a Difference" album on Flickr for photos and details on the winnters. |
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![Volunteer Opportunities](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170128050036im_/https://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/wo/Communications_Directorate.Par.54402.Image.475.50.1.gif) | |
BLM welcomes volunteers from all walks of life: whatever your interest, there's a volunteer opportunity to match. And what a great chance for families to come together with a purpose. Click here to find volunteer openings as listed on Volunteer.gov, a national volunteer database. Select "BLM" in the agency list to find BLM opportunities.
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| | | | | | VOLUNTEERING FOR The PUBLIC LANDS JUST GOT MORE REWARDING | | | | | |
THE AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL VOLUNTEER PASS Click here for details.
| | | | | | BLM’s 2012 Volunteer Annual Report | | | | | | Interested in knowing just how—and how much—volunteers contribute to BLM programs across the nation? Click here to view BLM’s latest Volunteer Annual Report.
| | | | | | guide for blm volunteers! | | | | | | ![Volunteer Guide Cover - no caption](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170128050036im_/https://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/national/Tools/volunteer_graphics.Par.78874.Image.-1.-1.1.gif)
Everything you need to know to have a great volunteer experience with BLM. Click here for (1.6MB PDF) | | | |
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