Conservationist of the Year: Richard Thomas:

Richard Thomas led the effort to achieve our biggest victory of the year, the defeat the Yuba Highlands project by the voters of Yuba County. Richard Thomas is a longtime activist with the Sierra Nevada Group and head of Friends of Spenceville, the organization devoted to protecting the Spenceville Wildlife Area, an 11,213 acre wildlife preserve managed by the California State Department of Fish and Game. The Yuba Highlands project would have split the wildlife area and put a paved road through it.

Chapter Service Award: Olga Mandrussow , office volunteer:

For the past year Olga has responded to general phone inquiries from members and the public. When appropriate, she has been a referral service to groups. Accessing these calls from home, she has graciously donated any office expenses associated with copying and mailing requested items like Bonanzas and Outings Schedules.

Dynamic Leadership Award: Bruce Waggoner:

The Shasta Group has long been active in wilderness issues, but under Bruce’s leadership the Group has become a force to be reckoned with on growth issues as well. In flurry of activity over the past year, the Shasta Group has joined with allies in challenging Redding sprawl and a massive gravel pit on the Sacramento River.

Outstanding Staff Effort: Beverly Clairfield:

Prior to her recent retirement, for 12 years Bev occupied the front desk at the Sierra Club office in Sacramento. Although she was employed by Sierra Club California, Bev helped the Mother Lode Chapter in innumerable ways, fielding questions from members, mailing out materials and assisting chapter volunteer leaders and staff. Her friendly and gracious presence is missed already.

Outstanding Elected Official: Hal Stocker:

Yuba County Supervisor Hal Stocker has been a tireless advocate for responsible growth, and an early opponent of the Yuba Highlands project.

Civic Courage Award: Tim Raboy:

The Galt City Councilmember successfully spearheaded efforts to change the direction of the General Plan, from major greenfield sprawl development to the charting of more modest careful growth. Tim Raboy also founded the annual Galt Winter Bird Festival.

Environmental Journalism Award: Mary Lynn Velinga:

As a feature writer for the Sacramento Bee, for many years Mary Lynn Velinga has written about the most controversial land use issues in the region, in a style that crystallizes the most salient points. Her May 27, 2007 investigative report exposing the illegal activities of a Placer County Planning Commissioner was a prime example of holding local a decision maker accountable and demonstrating the ability to take a technical and complicated subject (in this case provisions of the Subdivision Map Act) and make it comprehensible to the average reader.

Sid Arnold Award for Outstanding Outings Leadership: Jennifer Kerr:

Jennifer is a leader in the Inner City Outings (ICO) program in the Sacramento area. ICO provides opportunities for urban youth and adults to connect with the natural environment through outdoor adventures and environmental education. Jennifer Kerr leads many of the ICO outings herself, and helps out on others that she does not lead. Wonderfully patient and attentive to the participants, Jennifer has introduced the sport of orienteering to ICO youth. In addition to leading outings, Jennifer is the ICO secretary and she also arranges ICO fundraisers.