Friends Of Santa Cruz State Parks & Local California State Park Staff Honored
Dave Johnson, Friends Information Technology Director; Alex Tabone, State Parks Ranger; and Haidee Anderson, State Parks Senior Park Aid; received the Mott Award for Innovation for their work developing an Online Trail Camp System to connect eight trail camps within four State Park units in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Because state funding was not available, Tabone and Anderson and California State Parks, partnered with Johnson and Friends to create a modern trail camp reservation system. The online reservation system provides prospective campers with information about the backcountry trail camps, allow campers to check campsite availability and make a reservation online. The new system is estimated to assist thousands of park visitors annually.
Reid was not trained as a lifeguard and was not expected to make water rescues. The Director’s Recognition for Special Act or Special Service is awarded to those who perform an extraordinary act of heroism extending far above the normal call of duty.
Attending the ceremony was a proud moment for State Parks District Superintendent Chris Spohrer.