Volunteer Ranger Receives Prestigious Award From Maryland Recreation And Parks Association

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Volunteer Ranger Receives Prestigious Award From Maryland Recreation And Parks Association
ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Park Service announced today that Jerry France, a Volunteer Ranger at Fort Frederick State Park and the Western Maryland Rail Trail, is the 2006-2007 recipient of the “Agency Volunteer Award” presented by the Maryland Recreation & Parks Association. The award was presented today during the association’s annual conference in Ocean City, Maryland.

Lt. Angie Hummer, Park Manager at Fort Frederick State Park and Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT), nominated France for the award. In 2006, France biked 1,542.5 miles and spent 202 days patrolling the 23.5-mile Western Maryland Rail Trail. As a Volunteer Ranger, he reports to the park on a daily basis of trail conditions, visitor statistics and maintenance issues. France also provides visitors with the history of the rail trail and tourism information in and around Washington County.

“Jerry’s dedication to the Western Maryland Rail Trail is truly remarkable,” said Lt. Hummer. “We know Jerry is always out there -- biking the trail, clearing downed trees and even talking to children about the importance of helmets and bicycle safety. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated volunteer offering these valuable services to the citizens and visitors to Maryland.”

Since France began as a Volunteer Ranger in 2004, he has volunteered 3155.5 hours and has biked 13,048 miles on the Western Maryland Rail Trail
April 12, 2007
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov