2021 Pacific Southwest Region & Research Station Honor Awards

Honor Awards 2021

The Pacific Southwest Regional Forester and Research Station Director 2021 Honor Awards took place virtually on December 9. The theme “Achievement in Adversity” recognizes the accomplishments of many during a year of challenges that included the continued impacts of COVID-19, the effects of climate change, and another intense fire year in California. The resilience of the awardees, and all staff, benefited the public and the forested lands in California, Hawai‘i and the Pacific Islands.

Pacific Southwest Regional Forester Honor Awards

CATEGORY: Ecological Restoration

“We were thrilled to highlight the perseverance and success of our amazing employees." - Regional Forester Jennifer Eberlien

All Lands, Watershed & Forest Health
WINNER: Dixie Fire Lead READS—Lassen National Forest

Engaging Youth
WINNER: Devils’ Garden Wild Horse Colt Challenge—Modoc National Forest

CATEGORY: Healthy Workforce/Workplace

Organizational Transformation
WINNER: Southern California Zone Leadership Team—Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, & San Bernardino National Forests

Diversity & Inclusion
WINNER: State and Private Forestry Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team—State & Private Forestry

Safety Leadership
WINNER: Phil Heitzke and Lake Tahoe Basin Caldor Fire Prep Team—Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Emergency Response
WINNER: Thomas Guzman—Angeles National Forest

CATEGORY: Special Accomplishments

District of the Year
WINNER: Western Divide Ranger District—Sequoia National Forest

Partnership of the Year
WINNER: Laguna Mountains Skipper Reintroduction Partnership—Cleveland National Forest

Employee of the Year
WINNER: Miranda Hutten—State & Private Forestry

Leading in the Business Environment
WINNER: Stanislaus Forest Administrative Support Team (FAST)—Stanislaus National Forest

Leading in the Natural Resources Environment
WINNER: Hinda Darner—Mendocino National Forest

Leading in the Public Services Environment
WINNER: US Capitol Christmas Tree, Team Tree!—Six Rivers National Forest

COVID-19 Pandemic Response Hero
WINNER: Ellie Mora—Los Padres National Forest

Pacific Southwest Research Station Honor  Awards

"The awardees met rigorous criteria and applied their specializations to further the mission of the Forest Service." - Richard Barhydt, Station Director for the Pacific Southwest Research Station

CATEGORY: Healthy Workforce/Workplace

Improving the Station Workplace
WINNER: Angela White—Pacific Southwest Research Station

Community Enhancement and Diversity Award
WINNER: Monica Irvin—Pacific Southwest Research Station

Innovation and Service within the Station
WINNER: Station Charter Team—Pacific Southwest Research Station

CATEGORY: Special Accomplishments

Distinguished Science
WINNER: Christian Giardina—Pacific Southwest Research Station

Science Delivery
WINNER: Frank Lake—Pacific Southwest Research Station

"When I look back on 2021, I feel proud and in awe of what our Pacific Southwest Region and Research Station Employees have accomplished,” said Regional Forester Jennifer Eberlien. “Regardless of adversity, we can achieve much when we work together with ingenuity and grit."