April 4, 2023 - David Greenwood, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the Mother Lode Field Office, was recognized by the River Management Society in San Antonio, Texas at the first in-person national River Management Symposium in four years. He was presented this award for "Outstanding Contribution to River Management" which recognizes his long history of contributions to the greater field of river management during his career.

“David has been handling all things Merced Wild and Scenic River, on behalf of BLM, for years,” said BLM CA State Office National Conservation Lands Program Lead Kirstin Heins. “He has been the only full-time employee taking care of associated popular recreation sites. David has also filled in when temporary employees weren’t able to be hired. And, with help of partners, he's led some great accomplishments.”

David received the award in front of a very well-attended group of interagency staff and partners who are leaders in river management throughout the nation. This year’s awards were not announced in advance; the recipients were surprised in person. He was recognized with a group of outstanding contributors in other categories. 

“David is without a doubt the best River Ranger I have ever hired and continues to be one of the best recreation professionals I have had the privilege of working with,” said Acting Mother Lode Field Manager Jeff Horn. “His skill on and off the river continues to be an example of professional river management. David has always managed to keep the focus on the river, and what is best for the resource. A true steward.” 

David began his BLM career in 1999 as a River Ranger at the Folsom Field Office. After a year in Folsom, David and his wife moved to Merced in 2000 where he was the Lead River Ranger for the Merced River Recreation Area, Merced Wilderness Study Area and the Red Hills Area of Critical Environmental Concern, while his wife began managing the volunteers at the Briceburg Visitor Center. In 2005, David moved to the Outdoor Recreation Planner position which offered opportunities to expand his skillset in river management.

In addition to his river duties, David has been overseeing successful noxious weed eradication of Yellow Start Thistle and Italian Thistle within the Merced River Recreation Area. Though these weeds are not completely eradicated, they are at a maintenance level which requires approximately one week of field work by the Yosemite Noxious weed crew per year.

David enjoys running rivers, climbing mountains in Yosemite, skiing in the high Sierra and mountain biking in his free time along with multi day wilderness adventures. David has made a lifestyle of living and working on the public lands throughout the west.
Source: BLM