Rangers Chris Anderson and Rick Lewis Receive Edmund Prince Award

Annapolis, MD -   The Maryland Park Service (MPS) has awarded Rangers Chris Anderson and Rick Lewis the Edmund Prince Award. MPS Superintendent Nita Settina presented Anderson and Lewis with the awards at the spring park manager’s meeting. The award is named for Maryland’s first park ranger and is given to those who distinguish themselves in this role.

“Our dedicated rangers enhance the park experience for visitors in countless ways,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Chris Anderson and Rick Lewis remind us that in addition to being blessed with rich natural and cultural resources, Maryland parks are also blessed with people who are absolutely committed to providing exemplary public service and protecting those resources for Maryland families.”

Anderson began his career with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in 1970 as a seasonal employee at Seneca Creek State Park. After graduating from North Carolina State University in 1975 with degrees in Forestry and Natural Resource Recreation Management, Anderson accepted a position at Sandy Point State Park. During his career, Anderson worked at Gunpowder Falls State Park, served as manager of Tuckahoe State Park, as well as Assistant Manager at Patapsco Valley State Park. He is currently the Western Regional Manager. Anderson credits his career accomplishments to his supportive wife Janet and his children, Greg and Lori.

Lewis began his career with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in 1968 working at Herrington Manor and Swallow Falls State Parks as a seasonal employee while attending high school and West Virginia University’s College of Forestry. In 1976 Ranger Lewis worked for the Maryland Forestry Service at Savage River State Forest first as a contractual employee, and then as a conservation aide and as a Forest Ranger. Lewis was promoted to Sergeant and Assistant Manager of the Savage River Complex in 2003. Rick and his wife Nancy live in the Swallow Falls area.

The Edmund Prince Award is named for Maryland’s first park ranger and honors those who personify the culture, heritage, and proud tradition of the Maryland Park Service, a division of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
 

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