RAY HANSON, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the BLM Lander Field Office in Lander, Wyoming, is the Public Lands Foundation’s Outstanding Professional Technician for the year 2003.

The Foundation recognizes Ray for not only an outstanding career with BLM but for his leadership to other BLM offices in the development and management of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST).  The trail covers more than 190 miles in Wyoming and more than 3,200 miles in the United States.  Under Ray’s leadership, GPS maps of the route have been developed showing hikers the location of water and other important information about the trail.

Ray has acquired the label as the “trail angel” of the CDNST.  Long distance hikers along the trail look to Ray as the most knowledgeable person, knowing what the hikers need and providing them with the information they need.

Ray has also been a driving force in the development of the BLM’s National Management Strategy for Motorized Off-Highway Vehicle use on BLM lands.  He was also instrumental because of his knowledge of mountain biking in having biking removed from the motorized strategy to develop a separate national strategic plan for mountain biking.