Barbara Tulipane, NRPA CEO, Awarded Prestigious Rockefeller-Udall Award by National Association of State Park Directors

ASHBURN, Va., Sept. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) presented the Laurance Rockefeller-Stewart Udall Award to National Recreation and Park Association CEO Barbara Tulipane for her support and advocacy for full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) state assistance program, and her efforts to gain an equal share of LWCF funds for states and localities.

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The award was presented on September 8 at the NASPD 2011 Conference in Custer State Park, South Dakota.  The Mount Rushmore National Memorial provided a dramatic backdrop for the presentation.  This award, given only for the second time, is presented in memory of two American conservation icons by NASPD to honor individuals who have provided distinguished leadership for conservation service.  Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson was the first recipient.

"Parks are threatened like they have never been before," said NRPA CEO, Barbara Tulipane. "We must create the opportunities to build public support and to show elected officials how valuable parks are to every community in America.  I'm honored to be chosen to receive this award and firmly believe the most important legacy we leave will be through the conservation and stewardship of our parks and public lands."

"NASPD commends Barbara for her leadership and unswerving dedication to ensure full funding and a fair share for the state assistance program of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. She understands that state and local parks are essential to the health and well being of citizens, they conserve our natural and cultural treasures and they stimulate our economy," said Joe Elton, president of the National Association of State Park Directors and Director of Virginia State Parks.

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people.  Through its network of 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.  For more information, visit www.NRPA.org.  For digital access to NRPA's flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit http://digital.parksandrecreation.org.

Comprised of 50 state park directors, the National Association of State Park Directors

(www.naspd.org) was founded in 1962. The mission of the Association is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation's environment, heritage, health and economy. For additional information, visit www.americasstateparks.org.

SOURCE National Recreation and Park Association