SOBA Announces 2017 Award Winners

Outstanding Projects, State Programs and Individual Excellence awards were presented at State Organization for Boating Access (SOBA) 31st Annual Boating Access Conference in Anchorage, Alaska.

The goal of the SOBA organization is to support boating access throughout the United States. The awards it distributes recognize individuals and programs that promote, support and manage boating access; and well-designed, innovative boating access projects.

The 2017 recipients are as follows:

Outstanding Project Award – Winners: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Vandemere Boating Access Area and PND Engineers and the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), Statter Harbor Launch Ramp Facility.

State Program Excellence Award – State Clean Vessel Act: Florida Department of Environmental Protection won for providing outstanding pumpout facilities, planning education and partnerships.

State Program Excellence Award – a Boating Infrastructure Grant Program: South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources won for its outstanding commitment and success in developing safe and innovative boating access facilities.

2017 President’s Award: Puerto Rico Dept. of Natural and Environmental Resources, Parguera Boat Ramp won this first annual award for its ingenuity and creativity in overcoming sensitive environmental issues and blending with the natural resources.

Outstanding Service Award: Fred Bedell, Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources won for his exceptional knowledge and leadership in boating access programs and commitment to the boating community.

Professional Service Award: Al Wolselgel, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission won for his steadfast service to recreational boating, dedication to the CVA program and unwavering support of SOBA.

William H. Ivers Award: Steve Miller, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources (posthumously) was presented this honorable award for his significant contributions over the last 15 years to recreational boating, boating access, design, construction, management and administration of boating access facilities and programs. Miller retired in 2015 after a 42-year career with the state of Wisconsin.