Sinnemahoning State Park Staff Chosen For Team Excellence Award

Shown in photo from left to right: DCNR Secretary Richard Allan; Jimmy Risley (park maintenance supervisor); Robert Shook (maintenance repairman); Jackie Flynn (park naturalist); Steve Bajor (semi-skilled laborer); Linda Cobb (secretary); Brian Long (maintenance repairman); Lisa Bainey (park manager); Merle Sherry (semi skilled laborer) and Deputy Secretary of Administration, John Giordano

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resource (DCNR) Recognition Program and the Governor's Awards for Excellence Program are designed to recognize exemplary performance among the Department's dedicated employees.

This year, the staff of Sinnemahoning State Park located in Cameron and Potter County, was chosen for the Team Excellence Award, highlighting their dedication to the resource and the public.

In 2010, in the spirit of teamwork and a get-er-done attitude, this group of individuals assisted in the development and implementation of an Emergency Action Plan for the George B. Stevenson dam, supported the transition of programs and volunteers to the Elk Country Visitor Center, and maintained a quality outdoor recreation program, all with reduced staff. Due to the reality of the George B. Stevenson flood control dam, flood control is the first priority at the park and recreation often has to take a back seat. As a result, the entire staff is regularly impacted by high water events and just the very existence of the dam itself.

That “recreation is second” is an area that this staff believes makes connections with our visitors and brings them back to the park again and again – and that’s why their efforts differ from their regular jobs as they consistently work hard to keep recreation at the forefront of their efforts. From camping to environmental education for special outdoor recreation programs like “Women in the Wilds” and “Birds n Brunch,” this staff understands and lives teamwork, dedication to the resource, and embodies the DCNR spirit and mission.

For more information on other award recipients go to: www.dcnr.state.pa.us and lick on Discover DCNR/News and Information/ Resource.