RMS River Training Center receives USDA Forest Service Award

We are deeply honored and proud to announce that the RMS River Training Center has been recognized by the USDA Forest Service as one of the 2024 National Wild and Scenic Rivers Award recipients. During a virtual ceremony on Monday, Dec. 9, RMS Executive Director Risa Shimoda and River Training Center Coordinator Angie Braley graciously accepted this award.

Please join us in congratulating all award recipients, who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to protecting and enhancing the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Outstanding Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship

Piper VanOrd, Allegheny Outfitters; David Snyder, Volunteer; and Nathan Welker, Aquatics Program Manager, Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania

For many years, Piper, David, and Nathan have worked together to plan and grow support for the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River Cleanup. This annual event has resulted in the removal of over 140,000 pounds of metal, 1,800 tires, and nearly 600 cubic yards of trash from the river since 2009. More than 4,200 volunteers have contributed approximately 34,000 hours over the last 15 years, equipped with boats and safety gear from Piper’s business, Allegheny Outfitters, and support from the Allegheny National Forest. In recognition of the need to connect more community members who lack adequate access to outdoor education and recreational opportunities, Piper, David, and Nathan have also led efforts to partner with the Urban Connections Program and the Student Conservation Association to invite participants from Pittsburgh to experience an overnight canoe trip on the river and practice Leave No Trace principles. Through their dedicated stewardship approach, Piper, David, and Nathan have helped to deliver the many wonders and benefits of the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River to the public.

Outstanding River Manager Award

Jason Williams, Trails and Wilderness Manager, Prescott National Forest, Arizona

Jason has worked in land and resource management for nearly 25 years, throughout which he has demonstrated an ability to balance the complexities of multiple programs, agencies, legal requirements, communities, and landscapes. These skills have helped him serve in recent years as the main driver of the Prescott National Forest’s Wild and Scenic River program. In particular, Jason recognized the need to ensure that the Upper Verde River received careful analysis and application of Forest Service study river protections in light of a proposal from the Bureau of Reclamation to construct two fish passage barriers. His familiarity with Agency policy requirements was critical to the successful completion of a suitability study for the Upper Verde River in December 2023. Jason displayed strategic vision and leadership throughout the study process, informing the development of alternative actions that balanced restoration of native fish populations with the river’s free-flowing condition and outstandingly remarkable scenery and recreation values. His tireless efforts to engage Forest Service staff and interested members of the public not only led to positive outcomes from the suitability study process but advanced efforts to protect the river values of the Upper Verde River going forward.

Outstanding Support to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Program

River Management Society - River Training Center (Risa Shimoda, River Management Society Executive Director; and Angie Braley, River Training Center Coordinator)

Since 2018, the River Management Society’s River Training Center (RTC) has provided outstanding support to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Program through training and community building for river professionals across the nation. Under Risa and Angie’s leadership, the RTC has developed a robust set of traditional classroom and field-based workshops alongside a diverse catalogue of online webinars, roundtables, and other training tools. The RTC covers both the fundamentals of wild and scenic river management together with other more specific topics like hydropower licensing processes. Each series of trainings draws participants from different backgrounds, encourages sharing of personal experiences, and connects new and seasoned professionals. To help further a culture of training and management excellence, the RTC leads an Instructor Cadre that invites folks to step up and become the next generation of river management experts. Risa and Angie’s ability to leverage a community of learning and continue to sharpen their delivery of trainings demonstrates their commitment to going above and beyond to do the important work of supporting excellent river management into the future.

Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council’s Jackie Diedrich Wild and Scenic Rivers Leadership Award

Jamie Fosburgh, Branch Chief, Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers, National Park Service

Jamie has demonstrated an enduring commitment to wild and scenic river management for more than thirty years. He has been at the forefront of developing and growing the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program to support protection of designated rivers that flow mostly or entirely through nonfederal lands. Jamie has played an integral role in several congressionally authorized wild and scenic river studies and the associated efforts to clearly communicate those findings to Congress. He has also been a lead contact in New England for Nationwide Rivers Inventory consultations, served on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway Advisory Council and the National Park Service Wild and Scenic Rivers Steering Committee, and developed and managed the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers team. His easy-going management style and demeanor is recognized and appreciated by partners and staff alike and directly translates to the overall success of his team. By consistently serving in leadership roles, mentoring staff, and working closely with other agencies and partners, Jamie has made an invaluable impact on the Wild and Scenic Rivers community.

Published Dec. 9, 2024

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