American Forests has recognized Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly as its 2023 Forest Resilience Champion Award recipient.
The Forest Resilience Champion Award commends Shollyʻs critical work conserving whitebark pine, a federally designated threatened species that has experienced rapid decline across its range in the western U.S. over the past several decades.
As superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, Sholly has overseen critical work to protect and restore whitebark pine in the park, working with the USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and tribal partners, as well as researchers and organizations, like American Forests, the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Ricketts Conservation Foundation.
“Superintendent Sholly’s leadership in conserving and restoring whitebark pine ecosystems in Yellowstone has been second to none,” Daley said. “Through advancing partnerships, implementing best scientific practices, and protecting landscapes and communities alike, Superintendent Sholly is helping to restore not only whitebark pine populations but forests in the park as a whole.”
“Thank you to American Forests for this award and for our tremendous shared work in raising awareness of the need for science-backed restoration of the landmark whitebark pine,” Superintendent Sholly said. “Everyone has a role in the recovery and conservation of this iconic species in the West, and I’m proud of the work we’re accomplishing across jurisdictions to provide a better future for our forests.”
Each year, American Forests presents Champion Awards to leaders who help advance the health and restoration of America’s forests. Previous Forest Resilience Champions include Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and the original, bipartisan co-sponsors of the REPLANT Act, Senator Debbie Stabenow, Senator Rob Portman, Congressman Jimmy Panetta and Congressman Mike Simpson. Senator Cory Booker was also recently recognized with a 2023 Tree Equity Champion Award for his advocacy advancing urban and community forestry.