News Release

Yosemite National Park’s Michael Pieper wins Prestigious Award

Date: January 25, 2018

Civil Engineer wins NPS Pacific West Regional Director’s Award for Natural Resource Stewardship through Maintenance

Yosemite National Park announces Michael Pieper as the 2016 Recipient of the NPS Pacific West Regional Director’s Award for Natural Resource Stewardship through Maintenance. Michael is a Civil Engineer in Yosemite National Park and he has been recognized as an exemplary employee for his commitment to natural resource protection while working on a wide variety of maintenance projects in Yosemite National Park, including the restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

While Michael is responsible for overseeing many important maintenance projects in Yosemite, he has been recognized for his work as the NPS Construction Supervisor for the restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Over the past three years, Michael has been the NPS Construction Supervisor overseeing the restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Michael has been coordinating and overseeing multiple phases of restoration work, including the removal of a 115-car parking lot, a gift shop, and a fueling station that were all constructed on top of giant sequoia roots. Michael is working with park partners, contractors, and NPS trail and vegetation crews to oversee the construction of a new parking area.

“Michael Pieper is an integral part of a talented team that has made the restoration of the Mariposa Grove possible,” stated Acting Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “We are proud to celebrate and honor Michael for his leadership and the contributions he has made to the restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.”

These prestigious awards are bestowed annually to outstanding NPS employees working on natural resource projects at parks throughout the Pacific West Region. Additionally, Michael has been nominated for the 2016 Director’s Award for Natural Resource Management through Maintenance.