SAM Magazine-Portland, Ore., June 11, 2008-The Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association has named Gary Larsen its 2008 Forest Service Partner of the Year. This honor recognizes environmental stewardship, knowledge of ski area operations, and contributions to administration of special use permits for ski areas.

Larsen, the forest supervisor on the Mt. Hood National Forest, oversees five ski areas which hosted one million winter visits this past season for the first time in the Forest's 100-year history. His responsibilities include supervision of approximately 1.1 million acres of urban-proximate federal land, a forest with one of the nation's most complex and diverse recreation programs. He has held several positions within the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Forest Service. Among several national positions, he has been a senior policy advisor for natural resources for the President's Council on Sustainable Development.

"Gary Larsen has been a strong partner and proponent of many initiatives at Mt. Hood Meadows," noted Matthew Drake, chairman and CEO of Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort. "His passion, vision, and leadership have helped make the Mt. Hood National Forest some of the most visited public lands in the Pacific Northwest." Jeff Kohnstamm, president of Timberline Lodge & Ski Area, added, "This recognition is only a small token of our gratitude."

"Gary has set an example for managing partnerships with his vision, professionalism, and attention to detail. Providing a strong working relationship with our ski areas not only serves them and us, but more importantly provides the public with a seamless and strong recreational opportunity. I congratulate Gary and would hold him out as a model for emulation," said Liz Agpaoa, deputy regional forester for the Pacific Northwest Region. \

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