ERDC Researchers Receive Legends Award

Published June 8, 2012

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The American Recreation Coalition (ARC) has recognized Dr. Kathleen Perales and Scott Jackson as recipients of the 2012 Legends Award.  ARC Legends awards have been presented annually since 1991, recognizing extraordinary personal efforts which have made a real difference in enhancing outdoor recreation programs and resources on public lands.  Perales and Jackson received the annual award at the Recreation Exchange Luncheon Wednesday, June 6, in Washington, DC.  The two are research biologists with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, Miss.

“Scott and I were very surprised to receive this recognition from such a great organization like the American Recreation Coalition,” said Perales.  “We have been blessed to have the opportunity to collaborate with wonderful and inspiring people in the Corps of Engineers and our partner organizations.  It has made it easy to come to work each day knowing it may be the beginning of another new adventure!”

Perales was cited by ARC for “technical contributions, including the development of standardized protocols for monitoring visitation, and creation of the Natural Resource Management (NRM) Gateway, addressed some of the most complex challenges facing the NRM program and provided thousands of managers with an indispensable tool to improve their effectiveness, while helping millions of visitors find healthy fun on Corps lakes.  Dr. Perales’ imagination and ability to visualize creative approaches, harnessing the power of social media, such as Facebook and YouTube to expand its reach connect with an ever increasing audience, is evidenced by the over 65 million page views recorded on the Gateway in 2011.  The NRM program has benefitted significantly from her support of the Recreation Strategic Plan and recruitment of key program partners and stakeholders.”  While assigned to ERDC, Perales is currently working out of the Corps of Engineers office at Canyon Lake, Texas.

Jackson was recognized for his efforts in shaping and guiding the USACE NRM program in a career spanning the past 35 years.  Per the ARC citation, “his work with national leadership teams led to the development of many processes and pathways to achieve outstanding results.  Mr. Jackson has guided and supported the Recreation and Stewardship Leadership Advisory Teams, which have had significant impacts on the direction of the NRM program.  The NRM community of practice has relied on his ideas and creativity to test and evaluate both strategic and tactical actions to improve the program and provide sound advice to the field.  His leadership has been vital to the NRM program in addressing critical challenges of the day and has helped position USACE as an effective provider of recreation opportunities for the American public.”

The ERDC is the premier research and development facility for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with more than 2,500 employees, $1.2 billion in facilities and an annual research program exceeding $1.5 billion. It conducts research in both military and civil works mission areas for the Department of Defense and the nation.