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IAPD receives the NASORLO Non-Profit Organization Award for 1994. Pictured left to right are: Department of Conservation Deputy Director John Comerio, NASORLO Fellow Award Recipient; IAPD General Counsel Peter Murphy; IAPD Executive Director Ted Flickinger; and Department of Conservation Director Brent Manning.

Outdoor recreation planning and management is characterized by the united efforts of public and private organizations and individuals to provide quality leisure opportunities. However, there are always the outstanding contributions of specific individuals and organizations that merit special recognition for their impact on and example to the field of outdoor recreation. The National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers (NASORLO) is an organization of state officials working together for quality recreation through the administration of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The NASORLO membership consists of State Liaison Officers appointed by their respective governors to represent their state in all matters concerning the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The NASORLO Awards Program was created to recognize special achievements. State Liaison Officers from across the United States and its territories have reviewed and nominated the actions of governors, legislators, professionals, lay persons and organizations to acknowledge significant achievements.

NASORLO presented the 1994 Non-Profit Organization Award to the Illinois Association of Park Districts. Nominated by the Illinois Department of Conservation, IAPD was recognized for its leadership role and significant contributions to the goals and objectives to NASORLO.

IAPD was commended for its achievement in developing the legislative support needed to enact two major grant programs in Illinois. The first is a companion to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Using a portion of the State's real estate transfer tax, the program will provide over $11 million in state matching grants for open space and outdoor recreation projects this year. The second program, funded through a percentage of the State's vehicle transfer fee, now provides $2 million annually for local bike path projects.

These results have been achieved through a strong commitment to work with Illinois' elected officials in such activities as a New Legislators Reception and annual Legislative Conference which is regularly addressed by the Governor and legislative leaders. IAPD has passed 93% of its legislative platform in the last ten years. In addition, Association staff and board members regularly visit Washington to lobby for, among other worthy activities, expansion of the stateside LWCF.

IAPD was also recognized for its education and professional development activities, which have been instrumental in improving recreation and open space programs receiving national attention. *

John Comerio Receives NASORLO Fellow Award John Comerio, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Conservation, was honored with the Fellow Award from the National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers (NASORLO). Comerio, a 25-year veteran of the Conservation Department, received the award in special recognition for his commitment to outdoor recreation. He has been the Department's deputy director since 1991. Prior to that, Comerio headed up the Department's planning and development programs and was former Director of Recreation for the Lockport Park District. Comerio has also served the conservation field outside his agency and responsibilities. He has represented the State of Illinois on countless interagency committees, headed up cosponsorship of Illinois's first Governor's Conference on the Significance of Recreation and Tourism, and serves as the Assistant State Liaison Officer to NASORLO. He is a Certified Leisure Professional and is presently a delegate to the Great Lakes Regional Council of NRPA. Comerio has served the natural resource and recreation demands of Illinois and the nation with distinction and honor. He was nominated for this award by DOC Director Brent Manning. *

Illinois Parks & Recreation * November/December 1994 * 53