Nearly 40 ESWA volunteers and VIPs enjoyed ESWA’s Annual Celebration of Wilderness at the Eagles Nest HOA Pavilion on Saturday September 28. Two special birthdays were celebrated – ESWA’s 30th and the 1964 Wilderness Act’s 60th! The aspen sparkled, libations flowed, great conversations were enjoyed, and our annual awards were presented. Special thanks to State Senator Dylan Roberts, who provided an excellent recap of recent legislative developments, and listened patiently to ESWA’s concerns about drilling sport-climbing bolts in wilderness!
The Currie Craven Award was presented to Susie Kincade. Susie has been a tireless and indefatigable advocate for Wilderness for over 30 years, championing new Wilderness designations and expansions in both Summit and Eagle County, including the CORE Act and Camp Hale National Monument. She has led numerous camps to involve young women in the outdoors and Wilderness. Susie’s shares her deep spiritual connection to the natural world in multiple ways, including her work as a certified nature-based personal coach and her leadership with the Women’s Empowerment Workshop. Susie is often referred to as a “Force of Nature” by those who know her, as she brings her indomitable enthusiasms with relentless but gentle and friendly energy to bear on Wilderness-related issues both big and small.
Janice Tonz won the 2024 John Fielder Photo Contest. Runner ups were Stan Wagon, Ellen Miller, and Janice for a second photo. All four photos will soon be available for purchase in the form of ESWA’s 2024 photo card collection. Look for information on how to order in upcoming newsletters.
VWR of the Year award went to Tom Lawson who (as of 9/19) had done 25 patrols over 104 hours and 162 miles. VWR Rookie of the Year award went to Kathy Gentry who (as of 9/19) had done nine patrols over 47 miles and 60 miles. Trailhead Host of the Year Award again went to Joan Betz for eight sessions over 25 hours (as of 9/19). Thanks to all VWRs who did patrols and/or trailhead hosting in 2024.
Brad Benz was given the Llama Trip Volunteer of the Year award for his hard work on multiple llama trips this year, including the multiple-day East Lake Creek Sawyer Trip that cleared over 200 trees from the East Lake Creek Trail.
The Ken Harper Certified Sawyer of the Year award was given to Mike Cushman. Erik Hendriks received the Ken Harper Sawyer Rookie of the Year award.
The Trailblazer Award recognized Jim Alexander for his dedication to ESWA and the Wilderness. Jim toils behind the scenes to help us with grants and our partnership with the USFS. There are many projects that would not have been accomplished this year without Jim’s help.
Michael North received the Trail Work Volunteer of the Year award.
Thanks to every who helped put on this year’s Annual Celebration, including Joan Betz, Karn Stiegelmeier, Eric Malmborg, Zach Kauk, and Sherie Sobke.
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