August Scene - Flipbook - Page 21
Celebrating & Honoring
UNCOMMON COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION IN SOLVING
THE LEGACY CHALLENGES OF THE AMERICAN WEST
Having worked with the late Don Kerr to help establish the High Desert
Museum, I have always taken great pride in the fact that there is a world-class
museum in Bend, Oregon!
Years ago, the Museum presented an award recognizing best practices
throughout the High Desert region. That award ended about 10 years ago. In
discussions with Dana Whitelaw, Executive Director of the High Desert
Museum, I suggested that we revive the concept by creating a new prize
focused on the thirteen Western states and the shared challenges they face,
including water rights, wildfire, ranching practices, tribal issues, and fisheries.
We were honored that 12 extraordinary individuals agreed to serve on our
Advisory Committee. From 92 outstanding nominations, this year's Jordan
Schnitzer Prize of the West was awarded to Brad Parry, Vice Chairman of the
Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation and a former employee of the
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, where he served for nearly 20 years.
Mr. Parry has been instrumental in helping reclaim his tribe's ancestral lands.
Through collaboration and thoughtful stewardship, his work has helped
restore the watershed, allowing much-needed fresh water to flow toward the
Great Salt Lake, which is in desperate need of additional water.
CONGRATULATIONS TO
THE INAUGURAL WINNER
BRAD PARRY
2027 NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
For more information, nominations,
eligibility, and award cycles, please visit
highdesertmuseum.org/schnitzer-prize
We look forward to this award continuing for many years to come, recognizing
individuals who work tirelessly and collaboratively to find solutions that
benefit everyone while preserving and enhancing the remarkable Western
United States!
JORDAN D. SCHNITZER
President of Schnitzer Properties and the
Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation
AUGUST 2026 SUNRIVER SCENE
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