Chester, CA (Oct 6, 2009) - Friends of the High Lakes were nominated by Region Five (California) for the Forest Service National 2008 Volunteer Award. The Friends of the High Lakes group competed nationally for the Volunteer Sponsored Group honor. While they did not receive the national award in this category, the nomination representing sponsored groups of California from Region 5 is quite an honor.

The Friends of the High Lakes gained distinction by organizing nine local clubs, volunteers, and interested parties to develop an adopt-a–trail program for patrol and maintenance of the High Lakes OHV area of the Lassen National Forest. All of these entities have truly collaborated with the Forest Service in the management of High Lakes. Chairman Ken Knull and Co-Chairman Nick Repanich coordinate all these efforts to be most efficient in completing needed resource work and educating users.