Smeck wins park superintendant award

Woody Smeck Each year the National Park Service recognizes employees for outstanding work in the field of park natural resources. The 2005 Director's Awards for Natural Resource Stewardship single out six NPS employees for their leadership and work on issues such as coral reef monitoring, grizzly bear research, mixed-grass prairie restoration, and the planning and integrating of resources into maintenance operations.

Though the awards celebrate individual achievements, they also call attention to teamwork, professionalism, and a shared sense of purpose among park staff-critical qualities in the successful management of national parks.

Among the winners this year was Woody Smeck, Superintendent, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, who received the "Director's Award for Superintendent of the Year for Natural Resource Stewardship."

"I'm always amazed at the motivation and selflessness of those who work in National Parks to protect and restore them, and to facilitate public understanding and enjoyment of their nation's natural and cultural heritage," said Michael Soukup, National Park Service Associate Director for Natural Resource Stewardship and Science.

"Each year we call for nominations from the field and have them judged by their peers to recognize the most outstanding efforts," Soukup said. "It's certainly a privilege to present these awards."

Smeck has provided outstanding leadership and support for effective natural resource management by embracing scientific inquiry, linking data and science to management decisionmaking and promoting resource stewardship broadly among partner agencies and organizations at the park and the Mediterranean Coast Network, Soukup said.

His accomplishments were said to be especially noteworthy over the last year, as numerous major park issues and initiatives came to light that were addressed through innovative and cuttingedge use of natural resource science. Smeck helped promote effective resource stewardship, Soukup said.

Smeck helped lead the way in the completion of the park's Fire Management Plan, development of a resource-driven Trail Management Plan, support of regional conservation efforts linking park stewardship objectives to interagency planning, and network leadership in the implementation of a Santa Monical Mountains Vital Signs Monitoring Program and Research Learning Center.

The success of these and many other programs were said to be due to the steady leadership, continual support and encouragement, and effective interagency communication and partnerships fostered by Smeck's role as superintendent.

Although the focus of the award nomination is on accomplishments achieved in fiscal year 2005, Smeck's efforts and success have been ongoing for many years, according to the National Park Service. The achievements highlighted in the award reflect multi-year efforts to forge partnerships, dig deep into issues, and combine multiple interests to find

innovative and effective solutions to natural resource stewardship challenges.

The foundation developed by Smeck, through continual encouragement, support, and leadership provided to Recreation Area staff and partners, has instilled an attitude of success and enthusiasm in support of natural resource science. He's had immeasurable positive effects on the long-term stewardship of natural resources at the recreation area, network parks and surrounding areas, the Park Service said.