2021 Pacific Southwest Region & Research Station Honor Awards
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."