The USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region announced the region’s 2023 Volunteer and Service Award nominees this week in advance of National Volunteer Week, which begins April 21.

A total of 12 individuals and groups from Oregon and Washington are being recognized for their outstanding service in 2023. Two of this year’s nominees volunteer on the Olympic National Forest:

Larry Baysinger – Olympic National Forest – Enduring Service:

Larry Baysinger began volunteering with the Forest Service in the 1980s with the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington Mt. Olympus chapter and is an incredibly generous and outstanding volunteer. Among many volunteer tasks, Larry continues to run and fund his Backcountry Horsemen chapter, organizes an annual education event for stock and mountain bike users, and educates the public on Leave No Trace principles.

Rebecca Wanagel – Olympic National Forest – Leadership:

Rebecca Wanagel leads the Gray Wolf Trail crew and is the leader of the Peninsula chapter of Backcountry Horsemen of Washington. Rebecca has consistently advocated for better access to trails for the public and enabling stock access to the backcountry to maintenance. In 2023, she organized 30 work parties for volunteers to better trails, creating a productive relationship between the Gray Wolf Trail Crew and the Back Country Horsemen Peninsula Chapter.

The nominees will be considered for a Forest Service National Volunteer and Service award and winners will be announced during National Volunteer Week.