Keep America Beautiful recently recognized Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Ranger Edward “Todd” Ottinger from Michaux State Forest District in Adams, Cumberland and Franklin counties with a 2017 Environmental Officer Award.
The National Awards were presented during Keep America Beautiful’s recent National Conference in Dallas, Texas.
The Keep America Beautiful Law Enforcement Awards recognize law enforcement professionals who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community service in their approaches to enforcement of environmental laws and regulations.
Ottinger, working with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, initiated the use of surveillance cameras to deter illegal dumping within the forest district and worked with residents to build support in the community, establishing a network and creating enthusiasm for forest beautification.
“DCNR extends hearty congratulations to Ranger Ottinger for this national honor highlighting his personal and longstanding commitment to discouraging litter and graffiti in Michaux State Forest,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “This Keep America Beautiful award shows a very high bar has been set for both enforcement and education by the ranger. Visitors to Michaux State Forest all share in the reward of his efforts.”
The surveillance cameras used by Ottinger are on loan through Keep PA Beautiful’s Illegal Dump Free PA Program.
“Todd applied the IllegalDumpFreePA.org programs to implement a comprehensive approach to illegal dumping within Michaux State Forest, building relationships with local officials, educating the public about the effects of illegal dumping and garnering over 40 prosecutions,” stated Shannon Reiter, President of Keep PA Beautiful. “We are proud to work with Todd and Michaux State Forest and offer him our congratulations for his achievement.”
In addition, Ottinger has been asked by PA Parks and Forest Foundation to provide recommendations on approximate reparations for crimes committed on state forestland to allow for appropriate restitution when community service is not approved.
He works alongside volunteers and youth groups to clean up roadside litter and large-scale dumping in state forests as part of the Keep PA Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup of PA.
Ottinger also worked with local District Justices to implement community service as restitution for illegal activities committed against Pennsylvania’s natural resources.
As a result of Ottinger’s outstanding achievements and dedicated work, he was also recognized by Keep PA Beautiful with an “Enforce It!” award in early 2017.
“Development and enforcement of written expectations-- ordinances and policies-- continue to be central to Keep America Beautiful’s Behavior Change System,” said Keep America Beautiful Vice President of Litter & Affiliate Relations Cecile Carson in presenting the award. “Our Law Enforcement Award recognizes the importance of law enforcement professionals as partners of our community-based affiliates in keeping our communities clean, green and beautiful.”
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.
Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up communities and keep them clean and KPB’s Electronics Waste website.
Sign up now for the 2018 Great American Cleanup of PA and set up your own cleanup and beautification event through May 31.
(Photo: Edward Ottinger, KAB Vice President Cecile Carson and Shannon Reiter, President KPB.)
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