The USDA Forest Service Eastern Region recently recognized three Shawnee National Forest teams for their work in support of agency goals. The Shawnee Fire Management Team, Archaeological Investigations Team and River to River Trail Team all contributed in ways that significantly benefit the Forest, partners, and the public.
“These accomplishments show the dedication, innovation, and commitment of our employees and partners and are proof of the valuable work being done across the forest and in southern Illinois,” said acting Forest Supervisor Ann Niesen.
The Shawnee Fire Management Team received an award for strengthening the stewardship of private lands through technology and research. Recognizing the importance of returning fire to a fire-adapted landscape, the fire management team proactively developed a strategy to plan and implement prescribed fires that involved neighbors and partners. The Shawnee Resource Conservancy and Development, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Southern Illinois Prescribed Burn Association, The Nature Conservancy and the Shawnee National Forest Service worked across boundaries to form strong relationships and efficiently and effectively returned fire to the southern Illinois landscape. In Fiscal Year 2019, the Shawnee National Forest fire management program and its partners successfully completed a record 14,000 acres of prescribed fire on National Forest System and non-federal lands in southern Illinois.
Shawnee National Forest archaeologists and collaborators from Southern Illinois University won an award for facilitating rural prosperity and economic development. Local high school students worked alongside Forest Service employees, college students and instructors during a two-week field school at Miller Grove, a pre-civil war community founded by freed African Americans. The end project for the students was the development of a story map incorporating film footage, primary source materials and artifacts into a detailed diary of their learning journey at Miller Grove.
The River to River Trail Society, Shawnee Trail Conservancy, Friends of the Shawnee National Forest and the Shawnee National Forest earned an award for fostering productive and sustainable use of National Forest System lands. The team significantly contributed to successful management of the River to River Trail (R2R Trail) through innovative, collaborative partnerships. The hard work of River to River Trail Society, Shawnee Trail Conservancy, Friends of the Shawnee National Forest and the Shawnee National Forest and partners resulted in maintenance and improvements that protect
nearby water sources and improve visitor experience on the trail. The group also worked together on the R2R Trail website to provide better information about the trail and provide a platform for local trail-relevant businesses.
The Regional Forester will recognize the Shawnee National Forest award winners during a virtual presentation on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
