Southern Maryland Ranger Named Maryland Forester Of The Year
Forest Service Honors Four Who Make A Difference

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently honored four Maryland Forest Service employees for their leadership and outstanding contributions to protecting and enhancing Maryland’s forests and green-spaces.

Forester Brian Stupak of Lusby, Md. was named Maryland Forester of the Year for his leadership of invasive emerald ash borer eradication efforts in southern Prince George’s County. Stupak organized and supervised management and invasive species mitigation efforts of a 7,120-acre area and developed 29 forest stewardship plans for 700 acres of woodlands. He also trained and supervised staff on two interagency fire assignments.

“From protecting water quality to mitigating the impacts of climate change, our forests are one of Maryland’s most valuable natural resources,” Governor Martin O’Malley said. “I congratulate Brian and his colleagues and thank them for their hard work and dedication in managing these vital resources for our sustainable future.”

Ranger Chris Smith, of East New Market, Md. was named Ranger of the Year for his long-standing efforts to garner cooperation with landowners in conducting prescribed marsh burning in accordance with proper fire safety standards. He has also built an outstanding cooperative partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Blackwater Wildlife Refuge fire personnel to work as a team to fight and prevent wildfires in southern Dorchester County.

Pat Luchansky of Annapolis was honored as Maryland Forest Service Employee of the Year. David Gailey of Mechanicsville received the Service’s Exemplary Service Award.

“These honorees were nominated by their peers and selected by the Forest Service Leadership Team.

“Being recognized professionally be one’s peers is a high honor and truly an endorsement of the outstanding contributions of these individuals to protecting forest and natural habitats,“ said Steven W. Koehn, State Forester and Director of the Maryland Forest Service.

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May 28, 2008

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

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 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 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 12 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