The Forest Service has created a nationwide awards program recognizing outstanding individual and group accomplishments for efforts related to recreation administration and facilitating public access. The new awards are administered through the Lands and Special Uses programs,

Award recipients spanned all levels of the organization and were honored during an Aug. 13 virtual ceremony with opening remarks provided by Greg Smith, associate deputy chief, and Gordie Blum, acting associate deputy chief. The awardees were celebrated for excellence in administering permits, advancing leadership priorities, reducing backlogs, delivering top-tier customer service, and introducing innovative approaches that strengthen program delivery nationwide.  

The awards span a wide range of categories, each reflecting a critical aspect of Forest Service mission delivery. This year's program recognized a total of 103 award recipients across 10 award categories:

• Strengthening Partnerships that Deliver Results on the Ground

• Extra Effort in Training, Mentoring, and Coaching

• Advancing Active Forest Management

• Exceptional Line Officer Contribution and Leadership

• Exemplary Customer Service

• Expanding Access to Outdoors

• Golden Dustpan—Cleaning up challenging cases and tackling backlogs

• Innovation and Cutting Red Tape

• Supporting Disaster Recovery

• Unleashing American Energy and Resource Potential

At its core, this new awards program aims not only to acknowledge deserving employees but also to highlight the types of work the Forest Service does to encourage its replication across all units. By shining a light on exceptional performance, the initiative reinforces the importance of consistent, high-quality administration of special use permits—work that directly supports access, stewardship and responsible public land management.

Honorees were recognized for efforts to ensure permit holders receive timely, professional support while advancing sustainable use of public lands and supporting disaster recovery, acknowledging the essential role of special uses staff in helping communities rebuild by swiftly addressing infrastructure and access needs.

Other recipients were honored for work to reduce barriers and foster inclusive recreation opportunities for all Americans and for collaborating effectively with communities, tribes, businesses and local organizations to enhance stewardship and economic vitality. Some categories were internally focused, recognizing extra effort in training, mentoring and coaching, emphasizing employees who strengthen the next generation of specialists through guidance and knowledge sharing.

The award for unleashing American energy and resource potential celebrated projects and permit work that safely support responsible energy development and other resource-based uses of public lands. Finally, the lighthearted yet meaningful golden dustpan award celebrated those who tackled complex legacy cases and significantly reduced backlogs of expired permits—bringing longstanding challenges to resolution.

Across every category, this year’s awardees exemplified commitment and creativity. Their achievements reflect the spirit of collaboration and dedication that keeps public lands accessible, sustainable, and well-managed. By honoring these contributions, the Forest Service recognizes not only remarkable individuals and teams, but also the values and practices that drive excellence throughout the agency.

For a detailed list of the award recipients and the summaries of their contributions, visit the Special Uses SharePoint.