National Order of the Arrow Receives Forest Service Eastern Region 9 Award
Duluth, MN - On December 9, 2009 the Order of the Arrow received an Eastern
Region 9 Honor Award from the U.S. Forest Service for the Wilderness Voyage High
Adventure program contributing service to the Superior National Forest. The
award is presented annually showcasing the outstanding accomplishments of
dedicated employees, retirees, and private citizens. The award is presented in
ten categories including: Natural Resources Leadership and Stewardship,
Multicultural Organization, Volunteers National Program, Outstanding Customer
Service, and Safety and Occupational Health.
Based in Charles L. Sommer’s Boy Scout Canoe Base near Ely, MN, the Order of
the Arrow’s Wilderness 3 Voyage program contributes the equivalent of roughly
$150,000 in portage and trail work each year. The efforts of Arrowmen help
maintain and preserve portage and hiking trails within the Boundary Waters Canoe
Area Wilderness.
During the OA Voyage program, Arrowmen spend one week working on portage
rehabilitation and one week traveling the Boundary Waters. Arrowmen receive
instruction and practice wilderness skills such as Leave No Trace as well as
learn history about the area. Since inception, more than 750 Arrowmen have
participated in the OA Voyage program.
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