After Rob’s retirement in 2003, he helped form the Coalition of National Park Retirees, a non-profit organization dedicated to carrying on the important work of protecting America’s National Park System. This organization known for its “Voices of Experience” advocates on behalf of the National Parks and its membership, composed of retired National Park employees, is noted for its ability to inform the public and lawmakers with an unvarnished and honest view about what is needed to protect our national natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Over time this organization achieved much success and standing and recreated itself to not only represent retirees but also present employees and special friends of the National Park Service. Now known as the Coalition To Protect America’s National Parks, www.protectnps.org, this organization has increased in stature and visibility continuing the tradition of providing the “real” story of what it takes to protect our parks and effectively speaking out on the behalf of the mission of the National Park Service.

Each year this prestigious organization presents the Hartzog Award to a dedicated supporter of the National Park movement. The Award is named for George Hartzog, a highly esteemed leader of the National Park System in the 1950s, 60s, 70s who also served as a highly effective and respected Director of the National Park Service during some of those years.

For many years Rob has carved and donated a special woodcarving of the iconic Ranger flat hat and dress coat with badge worn by employees of the National Park Service. The carving is then attached to the Award Plaque and presented to each year’s award recipient.

Rob encourages you to visit this organization’s website to learn of their work, their media releases, and public comment on the real facts of why protecting our parks for future generations is one of the most special expressions of what our American democracy represents.