Indianapolis, In. — The DNR Division of State Parks recently honored volunteers and employees for their commitment to conservation in 2018.
Outstanding volunteer awards went to:
—Gerald Thomas, who has been volunteering at Fort Harrison State Park for more than 10 years. He walks trails, picks up litter, and photographs the park for staff.
—Kenny Karem, a Falls of the Ohio State Park Foundation Board member for several decades. He has fundraised, led hikes, and volunteered at virtually every function Falls of the Ohio has hosted.
Partnership awards went to:
—Tippecanoe River State Park and the Pulaski County Soil & Water Conservation District for restoration of riverbank that was losing an estimated 20 tons of sediment a year. In the process they created an area that can be used by park guests.
—Ouabache State Park and the Friends of Ouabache State Park for their work in funding and restoring the historic park fire tower that had been closed since 2015. The friends group generated $75,000 in donations from the local community to cover more than half the cost of the restoration work.
—McCormick’s Creek State Park and the Luetkemeier family for the planning, development, funding, and construction of the Centennial Cabin, a popular addition to the park because of its size and amenities.
—The Indiana Office of Tourism Development and the Executive Director of the Lincoln Amphitheatre, Marc Steczyk, were presented with a Special Recognition Award honoring their work to make the Lincoln Amphitheatre a fiscal and community success. Attendance at concerts and events between 2015 and 2018 increased 60 percent, and guests were once again able to see a Lincoln-based drama
—Staff at Spring Mill State Park, in partnership with Hoosier Uplands Economic Development Corporation, received the Cultural Resources Award for restoration of the Red Cross Cabin, which was obtained from Bedford North Lawrence High School. The cabin is now available as a rental facility for group meetings, family reunions and weddings.
Awards were also presented to DNR employees.
—Randy Rhine, general manager of the Canyon Inn at McCormick’s Creek, received the Tulip Tree Award, the division’s highest honor. Randy’s leadership at Canyon Inn delivered $2 million in revenue. He did a lot of work developing staff.
—The staff at Tippecanoe River State Park received the Property Achievement Award for its restoration of several historic WPA structures, including the interior and exterior of Tepicon Recreation Hall, the river shelter and the river comfort station.
—Justin Emmons, assistant manager for wildlife, and the team at Salamonie Lake received the Natural Resources Award for work in upland early successional habitat improvements and overall excellence in managing through prescribed fire, invasive shrub removal, and work in upland forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
—Central office staff including Erin Gick, Kim Marcum, Christie Sorrels, Jane Brandt, Savannah Riley, Melissa Stewart, the customer service center and communications teams received the Innovation and Leadership Award for their work in promoting, producing and delivering the 2018 Holiday Gift Packs, which generated more than $1 million in revenue.
—Johnny Ray Cyrus was named Inns Team Member of the Year. He has been a leader in the Potawatomi Inn food and beverage department for the past three years and was honored for his willingness to serve both guests and staff, and his achievements in improving the bottom line.
—Amanda Foor received a Director’s Award. Amanda is DNR’s Human Resources director and has guided decision-making, a new applicant experience, recruiting efforts and positive support for employees.
