Aaron Baldridge of the Reserve Ranger District receives the National Rangeland Management Award from the Southwest Regional Forester on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014. From left to right, Reserve District Ranger John Pierson, Aaron Baldridge of the Reserve District range staff, Forest Supervior Kelly Russell of the Gila National Forest and Regional Forester Cal Joyner. (U.S. Forest Service photo/Susan Blake)

SILVER CITY, N.M. -- Southwestern Regional Forester Cal Joyner presented Gila National Forest range staff member Aaron Baldridge of the Reserve Ranger District with the National Rangeland Management Award on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Each year the U.S. Forest Service presents a National Rangeland Management Award to an employee for their contribution to outstanding achievement for on-the-ground management of rangelands. Baldridge was presented the award at the annual Diversity Day celebration on the Gila National Forest.

According to Joyner, "during post fire activities his leadership ability and success working with permittees allowed for appropriate resource recovery of rangelands and reduced impacts from livestock grazing activities."

Baldridge was cited for his excellence in effective leadership and communication skills working with livestock grazing permittees, interdisciplinary resource specialists, local governments, congressional staffers and an assortment of forest users.

"I think working with ranchers and the community to achieve a common goal is very satisfying," said Baldridge. "It's a group effort and everyone's contribution is important."