Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark made a special appearance at the Great Gravel Pack-In volunteer event in Capitol State Forest last weekend and presented a Volunteer Hero Award to a very deserving volunteer, Ron Downing.
Ron has been a long-time volunteer for the Washington State Department of Natural Resource (DNR). He has contributed hundreds of hours to develop equestrian trails in the DNR-managed Elbe State Forest. His passion for equestrian recreation opportunities has been passed down to the numerous volunteers he organizes and trains to develop sustainable trails.
Ron is a great leader with an ability to organize reliable pack animals and riders. He has used these skills to help make the Great Gravel Pack-In a success, year after year, for the last eight years.
Commissioner Goldmark presented a certificate, a jacket, and a Volunteer Hero patch to Ron at the event he works so hard for every year.
“Ron Downing is a dedicated volunteer who inspires the best in all of us. His enthusiastic support makes events like the Great Gravel Pack-In a great success,” said Peter Goldmark. “It is a pleasure to recognize Ron’s volunteer accomplishments today.”
Volunteer Hero Award
Volunteer Hero Award recipients were selected from a pool of individuals nominated by the public in September. DNR received nominations for 19 volunteers from across the state. Two other volunteers, Tom Faubion and Bob Langley, received their award at a 2012 recreation leadership meeting in Seattle.
DNR will open nominations for the 2013 Volunteer Hero Award in September.
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EAR TO THE GROUND WITH DNR & COMMISSIONER FRANZ 