Priest Lake's Lonnie Johnson tapped for Beth Durham Award

COOLIN — Lonnie Johnson is receiving the 2018 Beth Durham Award for his contributions and outstanding park management of Priest Lake State Park, the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation has announced.

The Beth Durham Award is given to employees that demonstrate themselves in an exceptional manner and “exemplify in attitude and action those most desired traits in a public park and recreation employee.” For years, Lonnie has done just that.

Nominated by IDPR human resources officer Debbie Hoopes and IDPR Operations Administrator, Keith Hobbs, Johnson defines what it means to earn this award, the department said.

“Anyone who has visited Priest Lake has seen Lonnie in action. He works tirelessly to ensure that park visitors have a world class time while at our state park,” said Hoopes. “He takes care of the staff, including seasonal and volunteers, and keeps the park in beautiful shape.

“He is always going above and beyond what is asked of a state employee.”

Each person that works with Johnson develops an immense sense of respect and admiration for him.

“What a privilege it was to volunteer at Priest Lake. Such a pleasure to be a host at White Pine, and especially having the pleasure to get to know Lonnie Johnson,” said volunteers Sherri and John Wheeler. “There was an older couple that started volunteering 30 years ago. Lonnie just happened to be the park manager where they started. This was their last year of volunteering and they wanted to end their volunteer career with Lonnie. That is a testament to the kind of person that he is. It was such a rewarding experience.”

“Idaho’s State Parks would not be what they are without the diligence, hard work, and dedication of park staff,” said Jennifer Okerlund, IDPR’s communications manager. “We’re proud to recognize Lonnie with one of our agency’s most prestigious awards.”

IDPR started the Beth Durham Award and has been honoring exemplary park staff and their efforts for over 20 years.