Celebrating Leadership in Forest Collaboration

During this year’s 2026 Annual Forest Collaborative Workshop, the Idaho Forest Restoration Partnership recognized individuals and partners whose leadership, collaboration, and dedication continue to strengthen forest restoration efforts across Idaho and the Inland Northwest.

These awards celebrate the people and organizations helping bring stakeholders together, build lasting partnerships, and advance collaborative solutions for healthier forests and resilient communities.

Volunteer of the Year Award

The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to bringing stakeholders together to seek collaborative solutions.

This year’s recipient is Liz Bridges for her leadership and involvement with the Boise Forest Coalition, Highway 21 Corridor Group, and Greater Boise Recreationists. Through her collaborative approach and commitment to public engagement, Liz has helped strengthen partnerships and encourage meaningful dialogue around forest management and recreation issues.

Group of the Year Award

The Group of the Year Award recognizes a collaborative participant or group that has demonstrated outstanding dedication to collaboration over the years.

This year’s recipient is Bryce Somsent with the Caribou Forest Initiative. Bryce’s ongoing commitment to partnership-building and collaborative forest restoration has helped support long-term progress and engagement across the region.

Partner of the Year Award

The Partner of the Year Award recognizes an individual representing an agency, tribe, group, business, landowner, or organization that has demonstrated an outstanding ability to support collaboration.

This year’s recipient is Alex Ernst, Land Access Coordinator with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Alex has played an important role in supporting collaborative efforts and strengthening partnerships that improve access, communication, and coordination across stakeholders.

Education and Outreach Award

The Education and Outreach Award recognizes an individual or group that has demonstrated an outstanding ability to increase public awareness, support, and engagement through collaborative education and outreach activities.

This year’s recipient is Dennis Murphy of Spatial Interest. Dennis has consistently helped elevate collaborative forest restoration efforts through innovative outreach, education, mapping, and communication tools that improve public understanding and engagement.

IFRP is grateful for the leadership, dedication, and collaboration demonstrated by each of this year’s award recipients. Their work continues to make a meaningful impact on the future of collaborative forest restoration in Idaho.