2018
Director's Recognition Awards | Award Categories & Descriptions | Award Sponsors | 19th Annual Director's Recognition Awards
2002 | 2003 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015-2016 | 2017 | 18th Annual
Adaptation Award
Recognizes those who have taken remarkable steps in preparing for and protecting against the adverse and imminent consequences of climate change.
Dr. Reinhard E. Flick
Division of Boating and Waterways and
Natural Resources Division
Dr. Flick is recognized for his decades-long tenure of the only state-funded oceanography program which has produced a body of knowledge used by organizations ranging from local agencies to the State Legislature and the National Academy of Sciences. Thanks to his research on coastal flooding, we know more about which state beaches and recreation areas are expected to be submerged and when.
Ingenuity Award
Recognizes craftmanship and expert application of hands-on technique.
Patrick Metcalf
Gold Fields District
Patrick is recognized for his dedication, creativity and technical expertise for spearheading the acquisition and installation of a new sawmill at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in 2017.
Innovation Award
Recognizes those who have found new and exciting ways to respond to changes and accomplish the despartments mission.
California State Parks Backpacking Adventures Program
Santa Cruz District
The California State Parks Backpacking Adventures Program is recognized for offering the only guided backpacking trips available to the public led by State Parks professionals, setting a direct example of environmental stewardship and high-quality outdoor recreation.
Partnership Award
Recognizes partners—support organizations, teams or individuals—who have demonstrated a high level of commitment over a substantial period of time toward accomplishing department's mission.
Tina Conway - Field Trip Foundation
Santa Cruz District
Through Tina's Field Trip Foundation, she has made it possible for income eligble families to visit Año Nuevo State Park and experience the elephant seal season.
Professional Integrity Award
Recognizes employees who have demonstrated a high degree of honesty, integrity and idealism in the face of adverse pressure.
Julia Miura
San Diego Coast District
Julia is recognized for helping to reform the entire special events program at the San Diego Coast District and for her commitment to detail, thoroughness, honesty and hard work.
Resilience Award
Honors an indivdiual or team who tirelessly and valiantly rose to enormous challenges during an emergency response situation and/or recovery effort.
Northern Buttes District
The Northern Buttes District Staff is honored for rising to enormous challenges during the 2018 Camp Fire. Through selfless courage and commitment they have preserved California's natural and cultural resources while also protecting the public and California's communities.
Trailblazer Award
Recognizes those who have intorduced new ideas or methods to accomplish the mission of State Parks or pioneered ways to introduce the public to California's outdoors.
Denise Jaffke
Sierra District
Cultural Resources Division
Denise is recognized for leading the way and navigating new technologies to convey the unique value of California's submerged cultural resources while building the Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Program.
Special Commendation Award
Recognizes employees who have made a significant contribution by going above and beyond the norm and made a substantial impact.
Leo Carrillo Woolsey Fire Recovery Team
Angeles District
The Leo Carrillo Woolsey Fire Recovery Team is honored for working together to address the restoration and recovery of Leo Carrillo State Park after the 2018 Woolsey Fire.
Special Commendation Award
Recognizes employees who have made a significant contribution by going above and beyond the norm and made a substantial impact.
Curt J. Linse
Oceano Dunes District
Curt is being recognized for helping not only protect park resources, but also creating high-quality recreation for all visitors, particularly for our visitors with disabilities throughout his 30 year career with State Parks.
Special Commendation Award
Recognizes employees who have made a significant contribution by going above and beyond the norm and made a substantial impact.
State Park Peace Officer
Response to Camp Fire
Multiple divisions and districts
The State Park Peace Officers from various divisions and districts are being honored for working under extremely dangerous and high-pressure situations during the 2018 Camp Fire. They helped save numerous lives and homes.
Special Act-Service Award
Recognizes employees who have performed an extraordinary act of heroism extending far above the normal call of duty or service.
Bernadette Davis, Matthew Khalar, and Brian Powell
Monterey District
This award honors Davis, Khalar and Powell who at great risk of their own safety, courageously acted to protect park visitors at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Special Act-Service Award
Recognizes employees who have performed an extraordinary act of heroism extending far above the normal call of duty or service.
Keven Harder
North Coast Redwoods District
Keven is recognized for saving the life of a surfer in great distress at Moonstone Beach in the Trinidad area.
Special Act-Service Award
Recognizes employees who have performed an extraordinary act of heroism extending far above the normal call of duty or service.
Sarah Tichy
Northern Buttes District
Sarah is recognized for saving a boy's life while off-duty, she took immediate action when she saw the boy was unresponsive.
Special Act-Service Award
Recognizes employees who have performed an extraordinary act of heroism extending far above the normal call of duty or service.
Andrew Ahlberg
Ocotillo Wells District
Andrew is honored for helping rescue a motorist critically injured in a remote area of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area.
Special Act-Service Award
Recognizes employees who have performed an extraordinary act of heroism extending far above the normal call of duty or service.
James Carey and Ryan Randar
Sierra District
Carey and Randar are recognized for working together to bravely rescue a drowning victim at South Yuba River State Park.
Special Act-Service Award
Recognizes employees who have performed an extraordinary act of heroism extending far above the normal call of duty or service.
Ean Miller
Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
Ean is honored for saving multiple lives in two seperate rescue incidents in the Sonoma-Mendocino Coast area.
