Sonora, CA…The Stanislaus National Forest celebrates the selection of its Summit Ranger District as the U.S. Forest Service’s Region Five 2016 District of the Year. The annual award recognizes excellence in operations, customer service and conservation.

Members of the Summit District Ranger staff and Stanislaus leadership accept the 2016 District of the Year award during an awards ceremony Dec. 14. From right: Randy Moore, Pacific Southwest Regional Forester, Jennifer Eberline, Deputy Regional Forester for Operations, Tom Hall, acting Stanislaus National Forest Deputy Forest Supervisor, Molly Fuller, Summit District Ranger, Scott Tangenberg, Acting Stanislaus Forest Supervisor, Alexander Miyagishima, Summit District employee, Barnie Gyant, Deputy Regional Forester for Resources, Cindy Kaplan, Lori Greeno and Janice Cook, all Summit District employees.

District Ranger Molly Fuller is thrilled with the recognition for her team. “The district manages four large campground complexes, more than 600 recreational cabins and two wilderness areas with a permanent workforce of less than 60 people,” Fuller said. “In addition, there are numerous visitor programs and organizational camps that enhance our visitor’s forest experience – each team member does an outstanding job every day.”

Scott Tangenberg, acting Forest Supervisor, highlighted Fuller’s management and her emphasis on community relationships as keys to the Summit District’s success. “Molly and her team consistently offer excellent customer service and strive to effectively manage the many activities going on across the District. I am so proud of all they do – this recognition is richly deserved.”

Fuller and her team received this award just weeks before she retires with more than 36 years as a Forest Service employee. Her first Forest Service job was as a range conservationist on Eldorado National Forest in 1980. Fuller worked on Mendocino, Plumas and White Mountain national forests before joining the Stanislaus National Forest as the Summit District Ranger in 2012.

“My family and I have had great adventures exploring the world with the Forest Service and I will miss the staff, residents and guests of the Summit District,” Fuller said. “I am so proud of the excellent job they do every day – and I’m especially pleased the Regional Forester recognized their efforts.”

Fuller and her husband plan to continue exploring California’s national forests, now as visitors.