The Coalition of National Park Service Retirees presents awards at appropriate times to draw attention to individuals who have made significant contributions to our goals. In addition to the honor of being nominated and selected for distinction by their peers in CNPSR, winners receive hand-carved wooden plaques made by CNPSR member Rob Arnberger.
The George Hartzog Award
The George Hartzog Award is given to the individual or individuals who demonstrate outstanding support for the mission of the National Park System and/or the National Park Service. Nominations are solicited from the general membership of the Coalition or the National Park Service with the recipient(s) selected by the Executive Council. This award is presented annually or at other times deemed appropriate by the Council.
Norm Dicks, Congressman (D-WA) since 1976, is the 2012 recipient of the Hartzog Award. He has served on the Interior appropriations subcommittee throughout his congressional service, including as its chair for four years. In nearly four decades of service, the congressman has been a stalwart supporter of the National Park Service; e.g., his support of the Everglades restoration and his support for removing the dams within Olympic National Park. The congressman has been a key player in significant support for the National Park Service. Read more about Congressman Dicks and his support.
The 1872 Award
The 1872 Award is focused on the latter two strategic plan goals (see link above) and is given to the individual or individuals making an outstanding contribution to the Coalition. The nominations for this award come from members of the Executive Council and the recipient(s) are selected by consensus amongst Executive Council members. This award is presented annually or at other times deemed appropriate by the Council.
For 2012, Jerry Rogers, retired NPS, has won the 1872 award. Jerry is a tireless advocate for the cultural resources contained within the National Park System and the programs outside the boundaries of our national park areas assigned by the Congress to the National Park Service. He was a leader in developing the Coalition's first strategic plan, which included emphasis on cultural resources and our external programs. He constantly reminds the Coalition of its responsibility, has epitomized the spirit of volunteerism of National Park Service Retirees to the Coalition and has significantly contributed to the value of the organization.
Honorary Memberships
From time to time, the Coalition may, at the discretion of the Executive Council in recognition of some special service to the organization, give an Honorary Membership to an individual not otherwise qualified as a former salaried employee of the National Park Service. Examples of special service might include pro bono legal advice, financial services, a long history of support to field units and programs in a non-NPS capacity, etc. Our honorary members to date include Don Baur, Jon Catton, Nat Reed, Helen Hartzog, and Don Barry.
In 2012, an honorary membership was awarded to Neal Desai, associate director of the Pacific District of the National Parks Conservation Association. This membership is in recognition of the outstanding sustained work performed in guiding opposition to the powerful interests who so strongly advocated for extension of the lease to continue the oyster farm in Point Reyes National Seashore. Read more about the award here.
Finally, Certificates or Letters Of Appreciation may be awarded at any time by the Chair to recognize service to the Coalition.