A U.S. Forest Service employee who also works closely with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and splits his time between Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area and Shawnee National Forest has received a national award.
A release says Dennis Wilson was recently selected by his peers to receive the ‘Making Tracks National Award’ in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in the partnership achievement category. Each year the NWTF in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service acknowledges national forests or individuals across the country that excel in developing strong projects and partnerships in accomplishing mutual goals. The partnership achievement award recognizes accomplishments in strengthening and expanding the partnership between the Forest Service and the NWTF.
Forest Service officials say Wilson shares his time between LBL and Shawneetown National in a unique position as a Timber Program Manager and Contracting Officer. They add Wilson’s dedication and passion for the resources and enthusiasm for building successful partnerships enabled the NWTF to expand collaborative efforts in a four-state area.
Wilson has developed strong partnerships with local, state, federal agencies and numerous other agencies while working in LBL and Shawneetown National Forest and Hoosier National Forest.
According to officials, these partnerships built by Wilson has also improved habitat for the wild turkey, bobwhite quail, white-tailed deer, and many other species while providing forest products and improving forest health.
The NWTF and the Forest Service have collaborated on 114 projects — including several in the development phase — across nearly all Forest Service regions, impacting more than 70,000 acres and contributing a value of almost $40 million.
