WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) yesterday held a reception at the U.S. Capitol to honor National Park Service Superintendent Donald Campbell of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, who recently received NPCA’s Stephen T. Mather Award.
 
“This evening's event commemorates the extraordinary leadership of Don Campbell—a tireless advocate and ambassador for Harpers Ferry National Historical Park for nearly 30 years,” said National Parks Conservation Association Mid-Atlantic Senior Regional Director Joy Oakes.
 
On October 9, the National Parks Conservation Association bestowed the prestigious award on Superintendent Campbell for his steadfast leadership and persistent dedication to our national parks. As an unwavering advocate for Harpers Ferry and the region, Superintendent Campbell has successfully fostered a positive relationship with the local community that has proven invaluable to the park’s continued success and ongoing protection.
 
“Don built credibility and respect for the National Park Service by repeated acts of friendship and trust with his neighbors. He planted a garden of goodwill,” said Oakes.
 
That garden of goodwill has been critical to the protection of Harpers Ferry this year. When developers sought to build on land within the park’s boundaries, where Union troops once unsuccessfully defended their position in the 1862 battle of Harpers Ferry against General Stonewall Jackson, Superintendent Campbell worked day and night for months to defend this historic property from a 2-million square foot business park.
 
“Don Campbell and his team unwaveringly participated in each and every public meeting, making compelling presentations at every opportunity,” Oakes said. “They bravely faced personal attacks from the developers, and soldiered on.”
 
The relationship that Superintendent Campbell built over the years with the community proved vital to the preservation of Harpers Ferry. The town councils of the surrounding gateway communities voted unanimously against the controversial development, while at the same time showing their continued support for the man who had helped make Harpers Ferry what it is today.
 
For more than 20 years, the National Parks Conservation Association has presented its annual Steven T. Mather Award to a National Park Service employee who has worked tirelessly to protect our national parks—often in very trying circumstances. Award winners have expressed initiative and resourcefulness in protecting a park, and took valiant action when others hesitated.

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