Grand Teton Ranger Renny Jackson Receives NOLS Stewardship Award

Lander, Wyo-This Saturday, October 11th, the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) will present its 2008 Stewardship Award to Renny Jackson, Jenny Lake Sub-district Ranger and manager of the Jenny Lake Climbing Rangers in Grand Teton National Park. Mr. Jackson has been a National Park Ranger for more than 25 years.

NOLS honors Mr. Jackson for his years of behind-the-scenes competence and commitment to risk management and education. In his tenure he has been a thoughtful steward of the land, working to minimize high use impacts in the backcountry, as well as preserving the experience the park offers to the climbing enthusiasts. Mr. Jackson directly affects many in the NOLS community, including instructors who teach in Grand Teton National Park who express confidence knowing that he manages all search and rescue activity that would occur on their behalf.

“Renny is a wonderful role model and mentor who is committed to education, safety, outdoor pursuits, and learning,” said John Gans, executive director of the National Outdoor Leadership School. “Renny’s values of experiencing the wilderness, managing risk, being a stellar role model, and educating others are consistent with those at the core of NOLS’ mission.”

As the Jenny Lake Sub-district Ranger, Mr. Jackson manages the area within Grand Teton National Park that extends from Mt. Moran south to Teton Village. He manages the Jenny Lake Climbing Rangers and has skillfully managed countless rescue efforts in both Denali and Grand Teton National Parks, while also keeping protection of the mountain resource a top priority. In May of 2008 Mr. Jackson also received the Department of Interior Valor Award for a 2004 rescue on Mt. McKinley.

“I am both humbled and deeply honored to receive this award from NOLS,” said Mr. Jackson. “There continues to be much to do with regard to the preservation and protection of our precious natural resources. There are many dedicated employees throughout the National Park system who take up this task on a daily basis. Thank you for this recognition.”

The Stewardship Award, presented annually since 1990, recognizes land managers who have demonstrated exceptional stewardship of the wild lands entrusted to their care. NOLS understands the important role that managers play as stewards of NOLS’ backcountry classrooms and recognizes that, with shrinking budgets and increasing demands on public land, these are challenging times.