JUNEAU, Alaska- Regional Forester Beth Pendleton announced the 2009 Alaska Regional Forester awards on May 10.

“Congratulations are extended to all the award winners, with appreciation for your contributions to the Forest Service and the Alaska Region.” Pendleton said.

“I would also like to thank all of you who took the time and effort to nominate your colleagues. Naming just one person or team as winner from a group of excellent nominations was not an easy job. I am looking forward to presenting these awards in person as I visit the forests and districts this summer. Please join me in congratulating these deserving employees,” she concluded.

The Hector Gandara Memorial Award was given to Ruth Monahan, Director, Recreation, Lands and Minerals, for her efforts to champion the Alaska Region Diversity Strategy.

The Employee of the Year Award went to Debra Srb, Legal Instruments Examiner, Cordova Ranger District, for performing outstandingly, unselfishly, and with only the wellbeing of others in fulfilling her union duties and her work with the Chugach National Forest transformation.

The Resource Stewardship Award was given to Peter Griffin, Juneau District Ranger, for his service to people, sustained leadership in caring for natural resources, and creativity in sharing the natural history and wonder of the Tongass National Forest.

The Meeting America’s Needs Award was given to the Key Coastal Wetlands Strategic Team for successfully completing and putting into action a five-year plan for the Region 10 Key Coastal Wetlands that will achieve desired ecosystem services, and maintain healthy and vibrant wetland communities. Team members are, from the Cordova Ranger District: Deyna Kuntzsch, Fisheries Biologist, Erin Cooper, Wildlife Biologist, and Tim Joyce, Fisheries Biologist. From the Tongass National Forest: Tricia O’Connor, Staff Officer, Fish, Watershed, and Soils. From the Yakutat Ranger District: Susan Oehlers, Wildlife Biologist. From the Wrangell Ranger District: Melissa Cady, Wildlife Biologist. From the Regional Office: Barbara Schrader, Vegetation Ecologist.

The Promoting Recreation Award went to Victoria Houser, Recreation Planner, Craig Ranger District, for her outstanding leadership in developing the recreation project on Prince of Wales Island, Tongass National Forest.

The Partnership Award was given to Alaska Geographic and the Chugach National Forest to recognize the passionate direction given to the critical work of revitalizing stewardship of our nation’s public lands by helping kids of all ages rediscover their forests, engaging new constituencies, and reconnecting with communities in relevant ways. Team members from Alaska Geographic: Charley Money, Executive Director; Ann Mayo Kiely, Chugach Coordinator; Amanda Smith, Education and Development Associate; and Kristin Siemann, National Liaison for Public/Private Innovation. Team members from the Chugach National Forest: Sara Boario, Public Affairs Officer; Susan Rutherford, Staff Officer, Recreation, Lands and Minerals; Mike Novy, Staff Officer, Resources and Planning; Teresa Benson, Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor; Kate Walker, former Girdwood District Ranger; Travis Moseley, Seward District Ranger; Robert Stovall, Seward Deputy District Ranger; and Joe Meade, National Partnership Office.

The Safety and Occupational Health Award went to Alicia Stearns, Helicopter Manager, Tongass National Forest, for maintaining a high aviation safety record as well as the continuing efforts in developing a safety culture on her district that has been an inspiration for many.

The Excellence in Business Operations Award was given to Dawn Heutte, Program Manager, Regional Office, for her consistently high level of professionalism and attention to the details that improve management efforts and performance.

The Excellence in Customer Service Award went to Erin Andresen, Information Receptionist, Wrangell Ranger District, for the excellent and timely service she offers to both internal and external customers, and for her reputation as being the cheerful and positive “voice and face” of the Forest Service.