Sen. David Durenberger to receive lifetime achievement award at April 24 Ball of the Wild
Former Sen. David Durenberger will be presented with the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota's highest honor at the Inaugural Ball of the Wild on April 24 at the Nicollet Island Pavilion in Minneapolis. The honor places Sen. Durenberger in an exclusive group of distinguished Minnesotans whose lifetime service on behalf of Minnesota's parks and trails have earned them the Parks & Trails Council's prestigious Reuel Harmon Award.
Nine others will also receive Parks & Trails Awards at the event for their remarkable contributions to Minnesota’s Great Outdoor way of life.
What: The Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, the state’s preeminent voice for parks and trails, is honoring 10 extraordinary people and organizations for their contributions to Minnesota’s parks, trails and Great Outdoor heritage.
When: Thursday, April 24, 2008 beginning at 6 p.m.
Where: Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Award Winner Facts:
• Sen. David Durenberger served as senior United States Senator for Minnesota from 1978 to 1995. During his remarkable 18-year tenure, Durenberger helped establish the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, helped secure appropriations to implement the landmark Boundary Waters Canoe Area Act of 1978, authored vital Clean Air and Water Act amendments and was the driving force behind numerous other important pieces of environmental legislation and appropriations.
• Prior to becoming U.S. Senator, Durenberger had already begun establishing his parks and trails legacy by playing a significant role in the creation of Voyageurs National Park, the Metropolitan Council and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. In addition, he chaired the Hennepin County Park Reserve District Board (1975-1977) and a committee that established the metropolitan regional parks and trails system and in 1974 served as the first chair of the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission.
• Nine other Parks & Trails award winners will also be recognized for their contributions in seven different award
categories, including Mr. Paul Bunyan Trail Terry McGaughey and 92-year-old Emil Sturzenegger for the Citizen Action Award; The Singing Ranger Charlie Maguire for the Arts and Communications Award; Lutsen Resort Owner Scott Harrison for the Business Award; Camp Sunrise/YouthCARE and Fort Snelling State Park Naturalist Kao Thao for the Access Award; Midtown Greenway Coalition Board Member Eric Hart for the Community Service Award; Women in the Outdoors Program Coordinator Cara Madsen for the Education Award; and the Friends of Lake Shetek State Park for the Friends Group Award.
Interview requests:
To arrange interviews with Sen. Durenberger, or Parks & Trails lifetime service award references, please contact Brett Feldman at 651-726-2457 or by e-mail. For more information on each of the other nine award winners please read: Parks & Trails Council to honor nine who've made significant contributions to Minnesota's Outdoor legacy.