Partners in Conservation Awards

A packed Interior Department auditorium awaits the start of the 2012 Interior Partners in Conservation Awards.

On October 18, 2012, Deputy Interior Secretary David J. Hayes announced the 2012 Partners in Conservation Awards at a ceremony at the Department of the Interior’s national headquarters.

Deputy Interior Secretary David Hayes addresses the gathering, explaining how and why the awards are significant.

The awards honored 17 conservation programs that exemplify excellence in conservation through partnerships and cooperation with others.

Acting Assistant Secretary Burke, Deputy Secretary Hayes, and Director Pizarchik with representatives of OSM’s Appalachian Region Reforestation Initiative, winner of a Partners in Conservation Award.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) received two awards. The first went to the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative, established by OSM to plant more high-value hardwood trees on reclaimed coal mines in Appalachia and expedite the establishment of forest habitat through natural succession.

(L-R) Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Marcilynn Burke, Kelly Kim with OSM/Volunteers in Service to America, Deputy Secretary Hayes, OSM/VISTA’s T. Allan Comp, OSM Director Joe Pizarchik.

The second award received is for the OSM/ Volunteers in Service to America Teams, which help rural communities engage in conservation and development. Volunteers with the teams empower citizens in communities affected by the legacy of historic mining to work together to address environmental, cultural, historic preservation and conservation concerns.

Link to Press Release on the Partners in Conservation Awards.

Link to Partners in Conservation Awards Program.