11-14-2004, 05:36 PM
[size 2]PIERRE, S.D. – A DeSmet man was recently recognized for his work to protect and improve recreational trails in South Dakota. Todd D. Wilkinson was awarded South Dakota’s Trail Advocacy Award by American Trails, a national organization dedicated to protecting and maintaining the nation’s trails.[/size]
[size 2]The award, announced last week at the 17th National Trails Symposium in Austin, Texas, is given to one person from each state that has demonstrated successful efforts to influence public policy relating to trail planning, trail protection and trail development or maintenance.[/size]
[size 2]"Todd is an intelligent, sincere and fierce advocate for both snowmobile trails and recreational trails in general," said Scott Carbonneau, trails program specialist with the South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation. "During the past two years, he has filled a number of leadership roles, secured funding, implemented education campaigns and given legal advice that has helped promote trail growth and provide greater opportunities to our state’s riders. In addition, Todd and his family personally establish, mark and maintain 13 miles of the Four Lakes Snowmobile Trail on an annual basis."[/size]
[size 2]During his term as president of the South Dakota Snowmobile Association, Wilkinson initiated a number of programs that resulted in a 32-percent membership growth and saw a total of 150 new miles of groomed trail established. He currently serves as Midwest Chapter Chair for the American Council of Snowmobile Associations.[/size]
[size 2]In 2003, Wilkinson secured federal Recreational Trails Program funding for two warming shelters and rescue equipment along two of the state’s snowmobile trails systems. He also secured funding for an educational campaign that promoted safe and ethical trail use. In addition, Wilkinson has become involved in promoting public policy that protect the nation’s trails, organizing meetings with U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives which resulted in a greater awareness of trail-related issues.[/size]
[size 2]Wilkinson currently serves as vice-chairman of the Governors’ Snowmobile Advisory Council. He was recently named chairman, and will assume leadership of the council in the 2004 term.[/size]
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[size 2]The award, announced last week at the 17th National Trails Symposium in Austin, Texas, is given to one person from each state that has demonstrated successful efforts to influence public policy relating to trail planning, trail protection and trail development or maintenance.[/size]
[size 2]"Todd is an intelligent, sincere and fierce advocate for both snowmobile trails and recreational trails in general," said Scott Carbonneau, trails program specialist with the South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation. "During the past two years, he has filled a number of leadership roles, secured funding, implemented education campaigns and given legal advice that has helped promote trail growth and provide greater opportunities to our state’s riders. In addition, Todd and his family personally establish, mark and maintain 13 miles of the Four Lakes Snowmobile Trail on an annual basis."[/size]
[size 2]During his term as president of the South Dakota Snowmobile Association, Wilkinson initiated a number of programs that resulted in a 32-percent membership growth and saw a total of 150 new miles of groomed trail established. He currently serves as Midwest Chapter Chair for the American Council of Snowmobile Associations.[/size]
[size 2]In 2003, Wilkinson secured federal Recreational Trails Program funding for two warming shelters and rescue equipment along two of the state’s snowmobile trails systems. He also secured funding for an educational campaign that promoted safe and ethical trail use. In addition, Wilkinson has become involved in promoting public policy that protect the nation’s trails, organizing meetings with U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives which resulted in a greater awareness of trail-related issues.[/size]
[size 2]Wilkinson currently serves as vice-chairman of the Governors’ Snowmobile Advisory Council. He was recently named chairman, and will assume leadership of the council in the 2004 term.[/size]
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