PA Parks & Forests

Awards Program

PPFF established an annual awards program in 2007 to recognize the outstanding service, programs and exemplary work done by both volunteers and staff at state parks and forests.

Do you know an individual or group whose exceptional volunteer efforts deserve public recognition? Nominate them for one of PPFF's seven awards, given each May at our Awards Banquet. Nominations are accepted by PPFF until December 31st each year; award winners are determined by the PPFF Awards Committee and then are presented at an annual banquet held in May.

Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award - This is the top honor - given to a group, individual, or business for an outstanding contribution to the protection and/or enhancement to the park and forest system in Pennsylvania.

Joseph Ibberson Government Award - This is given to a person or department at any level of government to recognize their work in the stewardship of Pennsylvania's state park and state forest systems.

President's Award (awarded at the discretion of PPFF) - The President's award recognizes outstanding citizens or businesses who have made an impact in protecting open space, conservation, outdoor recreation or volunteerism.

Park of the Year - This award is designed to recognize a park for their exemplary or innovative work in any or all of the following: customer service; education, programming (e.g. events), or recreation; stewardship of the natural, cultural or historic assets; and/or accommodation of special needs of visitors.

Forest of the Year - This award is designed to recognize a forest district for its innovative and exemplary work in both forest management and recreation for a wide range of activities which include: the ability to provide opportunities for healthful, low-density recreational opportunities that are compatible with maintaining the integrity of forest ecosystems; to provide information and assistance to the public while ensuring public safety; and to promote and effectively use volunteers to enhance the Bureau of Forestry's recreational programming, planning and development activities.

Friends Groups Awards - up to three awards per year can be given for recognition of achievements made by friends groups. These awards honor organizations that have made a lasting, positive impression on the park or forest they serve and that have advanced the mission of PPFF and the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources.

Volunteerism Award: The group attracts and nurtures volunteers and actively engages them in a wide range of projects; the group logged in significant volunteer hours in proportion to the size and location of the park or forest; or the group has developed an innovative volunteer program.
Infrastructure Award: The group has completed capital improvement project(s) that benefited park or forest and park/forest users; provided ongoing maintenance or improvements to park infrastructure such as trails, buildings, etc; or innovatively protects the natural or cultural heritage of the park or forest.
Education Award: The group provides ongoing educational support or programming, provides a stewardship message through its events and programs, and/or organizes events that support the park and/or the gateway communities.

Award Winners

Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award

2007 - Civilian Conservation Corps

2008 - Rose Chase

2009 - Joe Healey

2010 - Bill Forrey

legacy 2009