SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, Oct. 5, 10:54 p.m. - A Colorado citizen group including Norwood resident Art Goodtimes that’s focused on public land management for the Uncompahgre National Forest, received a U.S. Forest Service Chief’s Honor Award at a ceremony at the Arlington Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C., Sept. 25 for serving as a national model of community-based collaboration.

Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell made the presentation to Nancy Fishering of Montrose and Goodtimes. Also named in the award was fellow PLP Executive Committee members Mary Chapman of Delta, Stu Krebs of Montrose, Ralph Files of Montrose, Jan McCracken of Delta, Alan Belt of Montrose, and Alan Staehle of Ouray.

“It’s an honor to see this hard-working partnership be recognized on the national level for its important work,” said Goodtimes, currently chair of the San Miguel County Board of Commissioners. “PLP provides a table of trust where diverse interests can come together and learn from each other, so that public land decisions can be made that take into account all perspectives and all stakeholders.”

In receiving the award, Fishering took a moment to thank Uncompahgre Forest Supervisor Charlie Richmond and Regional Forester Rick Cables for their support and participation in improving public management decisions in ways that help enhance and maintain diverse, healthy and viable economies, environments and communities in Western Colorado.

Also honored at the ceremony were emergency responders, multicultural organizers, safety officials, business support staff, budget wonks, global stewards, gridlock breakers, agency resource leaders, volunteers, distinguished scientists and law enforcement officers.

The Chief’s Honor Awards are made annually, and the PLP’s award was in the partnership category. Introducing the group was Jan Englert, director of the Forest Service’s National Partnership Office.