National Public Lands Organization Recognizes PLI for its Service to the Public Lands Community

June 1, 2009

LAS VEGAS -- The Public Lands Institute (PLI) at UNLV is being recognized nationally for its work in public land management and stewardship. The Association of Partners for Public Lands (APPL) has awarded a Certificate of Achievement to PLI for its 5 years of exemplary service to the public lands community.

APPL is a not-for-profit organization that works to engage the public in caring for our nation's natural and cultural resources. In providing the award to PLI, APPL Executive Director Donna Asbury noted that “the quality and caliber of PLI’s collective work is truly impressive and inspiring.”

“We are honored by the award and humbled by Asbury’s comments about our work,” said Peg Rees, PLI executive director. “Our staff and volunteers put their hearts and hands in action. They are extremely committed to our public lands and work diligently toward the protection and responsible use of natural and cultural resources in Southern Nevada.”

PLI specializes in education, research, geographic information systems/database management, and civic engagement projects related to public lands. The institute was established in 2005 to work in collaboration with federal, state, and non-profit partners to create new knowledge, advance technology, improve education, and engage the community to enhance public lands management and stewardship. More information about the institute is available at publiclands.unlv.edu.