LANDER, Wyo. - January 30, 1999 -- John Neeling of the U.S. Forest Service has been honored by the National Outdoor Leadership School for his work in outdoor education. Neeling received the 9th Annual NOLS Stewardship Award during ceremonies at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City on Jan. 30.

Neeling is a wilderness and trails specialist with the Kaibab National Forest in Freedonia, Ariz.

"John works far and above his normal duties to involve user groups in stewardship of the land," said Willie Williams, program supervisor for NOLS Southwest. "He's the southwest coordinator for the Leave No Trace program and spreads the word passionately."

The Leave No Trace (LNT) program brings responsible land use principles to the nation's outdoor recreationists. It provides tips and techniques for minimum impact backcountry recreation.

Neeling manages trails, wilderness patrols, LNT education, and backcountry management for the 68,000-acre Kanab Creek Wilderness and the 45,000-acre Saddle Mountain Wilderness in Northern Arizona.

Each year, NOLS, the leader in wilderness education, honors land managers who have exhibited exceptional stewardship of the wildlands entrusted to their care. Since 1990, NOLS has recognized employees of the BLM, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.

Contact:
Stefan Jackson
National Outdoor Leadership School
(307) 332-1277