SJMA Awards, Grants and Recognition History

2008 SJMA AWARDS & RECOGNITION

This year was no different than in previous years.  The San Juan Mountains Association and its many valuable volunteers continue to receive local, state and national recognition. 

On May 8th the San Juan Mountains Association’s Cultural Site Stewardship Program was recognized for outstanding achievement by the Center of SW Studies at Fort Lewis College.

Susan Bryson (Executive Director) and Ruth Lambert (Cultural Program Director) were invited to WashingtonD.C. on May 12th to attend the unveiling of the new "Preserve America Stewards" Initiative.  This new initiative is a recognition and designation program for existing programs at the state, tribal, local, or regional level that have demonstrated a successful use of volunteer time and commitment in order to help care for our cultural heritage.  Evidently the work that went into the formation of this new Initiative was inspired by the volunteer efforts within our Cultural Site Stewardship Program.  The award ceremony was held in the East Room of the East Wing of the White House by First Lady Laura Bush.  Both Susan and Ruth were honored to be in attendance representing SJMA. 

The Firewise Ambassador Program was selected as a break-out topic session at the National Firewise Backyards and Beyond Conference in Tampa, Florida. 

We were very fortunate to receive grant funding from the Colorado Historical Society for a number of projects.  Additionally, we were awarded the La Plata County Historical Survey project from La Plata County in partnership with Jill Seyfarth of Cultural Resource Planning. 

The Conservation Education Program and the Family Stewardship Program received national funding (No Child Left Inside) from the Department of the Interior (BLM) for their incredible work connecting children to the outside world. 

The Alternative Spring Break Program received a grant from the BLM to coordinate service learning projects in the Wild Horse Herd Management Area. 

In partnership with several non-profit organizations across Region 2 of the National Forest Service, SJMA received National Forest Foundation funding to coordinate a work project in the Weminuche Wilderness.

The Public Lands Foundation gave us financial assistance to coordinate and host two National Public Lands Day projects this year. 

SJMA received a generous grant for General Operating from the Boots Brown Foundation of Durango.  We also received significant financial General Operating support from Robert and Beverly Danielson of Durango.  We are tremendously grateful for these fabulous gifts! 

Alpine Bank of Durango and the City Market Cares Program continues to provide amazing support and financial assistance year after year. 

Backcountry Experience and Osprey teamed up this year to name SJMA as the benefactor to the Reel to Rock tour that came through Durango.  We are always grateful for their annual support. 

Steamworks Brewing Company played an integral part in helping us promote the Pony-Up Event in support of the work we do in the Wild Horse Management Area.  Moreover, they contributed generously by donating a portion of their beer sales during the month of August. 

Returning for the fifth year, New Belgium Brewing Company brought us Tour de’ Fat again and continues to support SJMA’s programs and projects through beer sales at the event.  We are happy to be a part of this wacky and crazy festival which highlights sustainability and promotes bike riding in one fun-filled day of activities. 

Thanks to the generous support of Pulling for Colorado, SJMA was the recipient of a grant that allowed us to host an educational and service learning project to identify and eradicate noxious weeks on the San Juan National Forest. 

In partnership with the Montrose Public Lands Office we successfully launched the first interpretive bookstore outlet in Montrose, CO. 

Last, but certainly not least, we continue to be fortunate enough to receive invaluable support and financial assistance from the San Juan National Forest and BLM San Juan Resource Area (San Juan Public Lands) to carry on our successful programs and projects.  Without their considerable support we would not be able to accomplish all that we do. 

 

2007
* Colorado State Historical Fund Grants
- CSSP Family Stewardship Project
- CSSP Stewardship Hands-on Projects
- Documentation/Interpretation Redvale CCC Camp
* Colorado Council for the Arts Award - Old Spanish Trail Conference

2006
* Nonprofit Director of the Year - Susan Bryson
For Exceptional Leadership, Teamwork and Service within Southwest Colorado
* Volunteers of Colorado Land Stewardship Award - Kathe Hayes for active stewardship of public lands

2005
* BLM "Making a Difference" National Volunteer Award
to SJMA, Anasazi Heritage Center and Canyons of the Ancients Volunteers

2004
* Regional Foresters Honor Award - Cooperative Support/Community Connections for
Southwest Colorado Cultural Site Stewardship Project
* Partenership Award from the Colorado Weed Management Association
for the 2004 SW Colorado Outdoor Weed School
* Colorado Historical Society, State Historical Fund for a Chimney Rock Pueblo Archaeological Assessment Grant
* Colorado Historical Society for Archaeology Month
* Southern Ute Indian Tribe Grant for Speakers and a Native American Student Intern

2003
* Take Pride in America Awards Program finalist.

2002
* National Volunteer of the Year Award from Chief Bosworth recognizing Patti Brady
* National Recognition for Public Land Ambassadors program by Chief Bosworth
* Regional Recognition for Pagosa Chapter/Chimney Rock program Award by Regional Forester
* Colorado Award for Excellence in Environmental Education Award (CAEE)
* Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002
Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Education Award

2001
* National Bureau of Land Management 2001 Partnership Award
* USFS Chiefs Volunteer of the Year Award

1999
* National Forest Service Partnership Award

1998
* Finalist, El Pomar Foundation Awards for Excellence
* Forest Service Chief’s National Volunteer Program Award

1997
* Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education, Non-Profit Partnership in
Environmental Education Award
* Semi-Finalist, El Pomar Awards for Excellence

1995
* Nominated, President’s Volunteer Award

1993
* Forest Service Chief’s Partnership in Excellence Award

1992
* National Wilderness Education Award
* Bureau of Land Management Award – Mountain Bike Initiative

1990
* National Wilderness Education Award
* Take Pride in America Award