...and the 2013 River Management Awards go to...

The RMS Honors Traditional and Non-Traditional River Pros

The River Management Society (RMS) congratulates winners of the 2013 River Management Awards, individuals who have exhibited outstanding achievement and leadership among river professionals in their stewardship of our rivers. Here are this year’s honorees, nominated by their peers and reviewed by the RMS Awards Committee:

River Manager of the Year - Greg Trainor, Public Works Director for the City of Grand Junction, Colorado

Contribution to the River Management Society - Lynette Ripley, President,  RMS-Northwest Chapter

Contribution to River Management - Roy Smith, Water Rights Specialist, Colorado State Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Frank Church Wild and Scenic Rivers Award - Evan Worthington, BLM River Ranger for the Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness Areas, 325 Class II-V miles of Wild and Scenic River (16) segments

"We hope river professionals will join us in our applause for this year’s winners of the RMS Awards,” notes Dennis Willis, President of the RMS Board of Directors, “These honors, open to both members and non-members, represent the highest form of peer appreciation.”  Nominations are submitted by individuals from the river management community, and the selections are made by a committee of the RMS Board of Directors.

Greg Trainor, Public Works Director for the City of Grand Junction, Colorado has been recently promoted to his position, testament to both the effective, professional and enjoyable working environment he has created and the informed perspective on drought, water storage, conservation, climate change, energy development , and protecting watersheds for drinking water supply that 35 years of observing western Colorado water has given him.    An avid boater, Greg spends much of his free time on the rivers of the West and has shown great leadership in promoting and protecting natural and recreational water resources for his community and his region.

Roy Smith (Lakewood, Colorado) is honored for his success in building the capacity of stakeholders to deal with water resource management challenges facing major river corridors. He has respectfully negotiated the impassioned discourse on Colorado rivers flawlessly regarding issues of conflicting public demands that include the need to supply water to growing cities and support for increased river-oriented recreation. See Roy's virtual acceptance remarks here...

Evan Worthington (Boise, Idaho) patrols and monitors public use of the Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness Areas.  He goes out of his way to ensure visitors enjoy a safe floating experience, and offers Leave No Trace and proper land use ethics with enthusiasm. Evan has develop many partnerships with high schools, recreation and environmental groups, landowners, and others to enhance their understanding of the Wilderness and WSR management programs, and has worked tirelessly with the United States Geological Survey to establish and monitor streamflows on river segments that lack stream gages to ensure that water rights are acquired in quantities sufficient to protect their "outstandingly remarkable values." Those fortunate enough to spend quality river time with his contagious passion are content that such a dedicated person is both working to protect our Wild and Scenic Rivers and developing their future stewards.

Lynette Ripley (Bend, Oregon) is the president of the RMS’ largest and most active chapter, making every effort (and then some) to create a model for all others.   She has donated many long hours in her recent term as NW Chapter Vice President, and now as President;  led discussions at symposiums (on her favorite river subject, human waste and toilet issue!); donated silent auction items for the NW Chapter with personal funds; and built a young and energetic cadre of new members. She has initiated a membership drive that has seen success even in its early stages with both new faces and returning expired members. Her service is exemplary, providing and outstanding example to her own and other chapter leaders.

Congratulations to all honorees!

To individuals who submitted nominations, and to the RMS Awards Committee members who have dedicate many hours of thoughtful consideration to the annual awards process: thank you!