OHV Trail Lead Receives National Service Award

Roberta Pickett (L) and Don Amador (R)

OAKLEY, CA – (Feb. 22) –The world’s largest international service organization gave special recognition to a recreation professional at a ceremony in the Sierra Nevada town of Martell near Jackson, California.  On February 17, 2017, Roberta Pickett, past president of the Rotary Club of Amador Upcountry, presented Don Amador with a Paul Harris Fellow Award for his efforts to find solutions through the collaborative process with diverse interest groups and government agencies.

While the coveted Paul Harris Award typically is a recognition of those who have directly contributed $1000 toward The Rotary Foundation, occasionally – as in this instance with Don Amador - a Rotarian will make that contribution in someone else’s name, as a way to honor them for serving the greater community.

Roberta Pickett, who currently serves as Assistant Governor for the Amador County clubs of Rotary’s District 5190, states, “I feel Don deserved this award for his integrity in the way he does business and collaborates even with those with whom he may have significant disagreements.  His work with land managers, elected officials, recreation clubs, conservation groups, and environmental organizations promotes peaceful resolution to difficult challenges.”

“Don’s work ethic to promote sustainable use of public lands  measures up to Rotary’s  ‘Four Way Test’ - Of the things we think, say and do: 1) is it the truth, 2) is it fair to all concerned, 3) will it build goodwill and better friendships, and 4) will it be beneficial to all concerned,” Pickett concludes.

Don Amador, a recreation and land-use consultant, responded that “it was a humbling experience to be recognized by Rotary for my efforts in the field of recreation, conservation, and natural resource management.   I want to thank Rotary and Assistant Governor Pickett for this high honor and accept it on behalf the many partners that I work with.  It is that team approach that made this achievement possible,” Amador concludes.

According to the organization, Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad.

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary members have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, Rotarians are always working to better our world, and they stay committed to the end.

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Don owns Quiet Warrior Racing, a recreation consulting company, located in Oakley, California.  Don is also a contractor to the BlueRibbon Coalition/Sharetrails.org, a national trail-based recreation group, where he serves as the Western Representative.  Don is a member of the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals.

Don may be reached via email at: damador@cwo.com