The Public Lands Foundation is proud to present the 2018 Outstanding Public Land Professional Award in the Technical/Operational category to Richard Parrish, Assistant Fire Management Officer, BLM Spokane District, for his work in the national Fire Adapted Learning Network circle and his role in working with Fire Adapted Communities.

Richard Parrish is responsible for starting the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network in Washington State, the first of its kind in the nation. Richard’s work is recognized – and highly respected – in the national Fire Adapted Learning Network circle and has advanced the role of the Fire Adapted Communities by building relationships, leveraging resources, integrating programs, and empowering people to work together.

As a result of this work, the BLM in Washington State has cultivated new partnerships that otherwise may not have formed and is a leader in helping communities understand that there are many pieces of the fire adaptation puzzle. The Network is now recognized as a best management practice nationally.

Through Richard’s commitment to implementing FLPMA in a collaborative approach to public land management, the BLM developed and funded this endeavor with The Nature Conservancy, Watershed Training Center, Washington Research and Development Council, and a variety of federal and state partners and NGOs across the state. The Network continues to educate the public that Fire Adapted Communities involve action before, during, and after a fire and that everyone has a role in fire adaptation and resiliency.

Richard’s work has been instrumental in connecting the right people, at the right time, at the right place to ensure a robust network that is growing and – most importantly – sustainable. Richard’s work has advanced the role of the Fire Adapted Communities by building relationships, leveraging resources, integrating programs, and empowering people to work together towards the long-term protection and sustainability of public land resources.

Because of his commitment to public land management, the Public Lands Foundation recognizes Richard Parrish with its Outstanding Public Lands Professional Award in the Technical/Operational category for 2018.

October 31, 2019