CLEMSON, S.C. — National Parks Traveler founder and editor-in-chief Kurt Repanshek has been honored by the Clemson University Institute For Parks for his two-decade stewardship of the news organization that closely follows the National Park Service and its wondrous park system.
Repanshek, who launched the Traveler in August 2005, received the Walter T. Cox Award from the institute during its 2026 George B. Hartzog, Jr. Awards program this week.
The annual event honors the legacy of George B. Hartzog Jr., who served as seventh director of the National Park Service from 1964 to 1972 and led the largest expansion of the National Park System. His administration oversaw the addition of more than 2.6 million acres and 72 units to the system, including national parks, seashores, lakeshores, and historic sites.
The Walter T. Cox Award, named after a former Clemson University president, “recognizes sustained achievement in public service on the firing line, where the public interest meets the private interest in public policy formulation and administration; distinguished leadership and support of innovation in conflict resolution of policy initiatives that enhance quality of life; and personal achievements during a career or in a specific episode that provides inspiration and leadership to others in serving the above purposes.”
“Despite the National Parks Traveler’s name, the news organization has been so much more than a travelogue,” Repanshek told the gathering of state and national park officials, staff, and students. “Our main focus has been, and continues to be, on National Park Service management issues and Congressional politics impacting the agency and the park system. No other media outlet has shared that focus.”
The institute provides research, education, training, and outreach to support and enhance park and protected areas worldwide.
“The annual lecture and award ceremony is a cornerstone event for the Institute for Parks, bringing us together to celebrate extraordinary leaders whose work preserves and protects public lands and strengthens the future of parks and conservation nationwide. CUIP is a nationally recognized leader in research, teaching and service, and the 2026 award winners were chosen for their lifelong commitment to excellence in service and stewardship. It is an honor to recognize their lasting contributions and achievements,” said Bob Powell, director of CUIP.
Also honored during the event were:
- Jeffrey Marion, Ph.D., retired employee of the National Park Service and U.S. Geological Survey and adjunct professor at Virginia Tech, received the Benton H. Box Award for leadership in preserving the natural environment and inspiring the pursuit of knowledge and environmental ethics. His lifelong research focuses on the effects of recreation on vegetation, soil, and wildlife and the sustainable management of trails, recreation sites and campsites to preserve and protect the environment.
- Matthew Brownlee, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management with a joint appointment in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University, received the Dwight A. Holder Award for his outstanding work to foster understanding, wise use, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.
- Thomas Medema, former associate director of the National Park Service and keynote speaker during the 2026 George B. Hartzog Jr. Lecture Series, received the William C. Everhart Award for sustained achievements that highlight, promote, and foster an appreciation of the nation’s natural and cultural heritage.
- Lisa Mendelson-Ielmini, deputy regional director of the National Capital Region for the National Park Service, received the Fran P. Mainella Award for her career achievement in the management of North America’s natural, historic, and cultural heritage.
“The Clemson Institute for Parks advances research to support the science-based management of parks and protected areas worldwide and delivers innovative leadership and training programs to inform policy and practice,” said Leslie Hossfeld, dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. “As CUIP stands at the forefront of parks and conservation research, the George B. Hartzog Jr. Lecture and Environmental Awards program allows us to honor practitioners, educators and CUIP partners whose career contributions support the Institute’s global mission.”
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
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