Reclamation's Jack Simes Receives Take Pride In America Award
Jack Simes, External Coordination manager in Reclamation's Yuma Area Office, was recently honored for his outreach efforts with a TPIA 2007 National Award. Simes was one of five Federal Lands Managers to receive national honors.
This past year, Simes planned, coordinated or participated in three major Yuma cleanup events.
"The success of these cleanups is a direct result of the prior collaboration and partnership founded by the on-going Colorado River Sweep program," said Simes. "Yuma Area Manager Jim Cherry has been a guiding force for these cleanup projects."
Upon completion, the three cleanups resulted in a removal of over 140 tons of trash and debris from the affected areas.
Various amounts of hazardous material was removed, including 15 gallons of oil, 31 automobile batteries and nine car frames, which were taken to an automotive recycling center. Tires from automobiles, tractors and semi-trucks were recovered and sent to recycling centers. Over ten tons of metal was recovered and recycled as a result of the cleanup events.
"Reclamation is proud to have provided planning guidance and support for these events," says Simes. "However, we cannot do it alone. We are in this challenge together, and other needed logistic support was provided by various local agencies."
Take Pride in America is a national partnership program aimed at increasing volunteer service on America's public lands.
Last updated: 12/12/07