Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest volunteers receive regional award

Several Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest individual and group volunteers were recently honored by the U.S. Forest Service Intermountain Regional Office. Region 4’s Volunteer and Service Program awards recognize volunteers in five categories: Cultural Diversity, Leadership, Citizen Stewardship and Partnerships, Restoration, and Enduring Service.

“We have a number of engaged citizens and community groups whose efforts help us to fulfill our mission,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “These volunteers have given selflessly of their time and performed an astonishing variety of tasks, which enhanced both Forest operations and the visitor experience.”

U.S. Forest Service Intermountain Regional Office’s Volunteers & Service Programs Award winners include:

Enduring Service Volunteers & Service Award Recipient: Brad Phelps
For four years, Brad Phelps has volunteered at the Galena Creek Visitor Center on the Carson Ranger District during the months of January through May. Phelps does an excellent job of engaging visitors through his welcoming, friendly approach to sharing his extensive knowledge of the District and local area. In addition to interpretive services, he also arranges for volunteer presenters to speak to the local community on a variety of topics related to science, outdoor recreation, and local history and culture. Phelps has volunteered over 1,200 hours in the past four years.

Enduring Service Volunteers & Service Award Recipient: Bob Grozenski
For six years, Bob Grozenski has volunteered for the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. He has been a valuable asset to the “Go Mt Charleston” Volunteer Program as a trail host. Grozenski hikes various trails across the National Recreation Area, contacting visitors and providing information on outdoor etiquette and “Leave No Trace” principles. He picks up trash, performs light trail maintenance, and renders first aid assistance when necessary. Additionally, Grozenski staffs the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway and regularly assists with educational programs, such as "Science Safaris," and guided hikes. Bob Grozenski has volunteered over 300 hours in the past six years.

Citizen Stewardship & Partnerships Volunteers & Service Award Recipient: Nevada Site Stewards
The Nevada Site Stewards have been working with the Forest since their program began in 2005. Every year since 2005, the Nevada Site Stewards volunteers log thousands of miles driving their own vehicles to monitor and complete condition assessments of the important archaeological sites across the Forest. Between 2013 and 2017, 95 volunteers have made 557 survey visits and monitored 72 sites, totaling 3,981 hours over those four years.

Citizen Stewardship & Partnerships Volunteers & Service Award Recipient: Bristlecone Chapter Back Country Horsemen of Nevada
The Bristlecone Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Nevada have supported numerous projects on the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, including rebuilding the south loop of the National Recreation Trail in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness Area which was destroyed by the Carpenter 1 Fire. Over a six month period of time, Back Country Horsemen volunteers provided the stock needed to carry equipment and supplies on thirteen different trips. Because most of the trail is in a wilderness area, the efforts of this organization were critical and enabled an early completion of the trail restoration while maintaining the wilderness character of the area.

Visit https://www.fs.fed.us/working-with-us/volunteers to learn more about volunteering with the Forest Service.