Stewards Win Governor's Rural Development Award

Stewards of Public Lands were recognized for their regional partnership by Governor Janet Napolitano at the 2005 Governor’s Rural Development Conference on Friday. The town of Clarkdale, city of Cottonwood, Yavapai County and Prescott National Forest submitted the application on behalf of the Stewards. Celebrating the Governor’s theme of regional partnerships and expanding opportunities, from left, are Stewards co-chair Jess Tyler, Stewards hospitality director Debra LaFrance, Arizona Department of Commerce director Gilbert Jimenez, Governor Napolitano, Cottonwood City Council member and Stewards co-chair Diane Joens, Clarkdale Police Chief Patrick Haynie, Arizona State Representative Tom O’Halleran, Cottonwood Community Development director Jerry Owen and Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis. The Stewards were recognized for coordinating 2000 volunteer hours and cleaning up 110 tons of unattractive refuse from 3300 acres of public lands by creating partnerships with local citizens, businesses, media, organizations and multiple governmental agencies. Cooperation with citizens and law enforcement has dramatically reduced additional dumping in cleaned areas. Photo by Joan E. Tyler

The Governor’s 2005 Rural Development Conference held in Oro Valley last week emphasized the theme of regional partnerships and expanding opportunities. The Governor, Arizona Department of Commerce, and the Arizona Association for Economic Development partner to recognize counties, tribal communities, organizations, associations, companies and partnerships that create and implement successful economic and community development strategies. The Stewards of Public Lands were recognized for their leadership for environmental projects and awareness.  

The Stewards clean up illegal dumping from public lands to keep them enjoyable and accessible for the public. Acknowledging that no one single governmental entity has the financial or human resources to clean up and manage illegal dumping on public lands, the Stewards find creative ways to coordinate existing programs at the federal, state and local level to address the issue of overlapping jurisdictions. The Stewards maintain and monitor areas to keep them clean and support public education to reduce further dumping and littering. Stewards support affordable dumping alternatives, and encourage and assist law enforcement to deter littering and dumping on public lands. Stewards are concerned about the Verde River Watershed for everyone’s health and safety. By cleaning up the lands, the landscape is restored to its former beauty and enjoyable and safe recreational opportunities are restored for residents who enjoy hiking, running, bicycling, hunting and sightseeing.