Scouts honor Jacob Water with Hornaday Award for work on Eagle Scout project
Boy Scout Troop 3396’s Jacob Waters was presented with the William T. Hornaday Award at the Nevada Area Council’s Annual Recognition Dinner, held Friday, March 18 at the Peppermill in Reno.
Created in 1914, this award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to conservation, and only 1,100 medals have been awarded in 80 years. The award encourages public awareness regarding conservation and stewardship.
This was Waters’ Eagle Scout project and was a massive undertaking. His idea of removing a few abandoned vehicles grew and Waters had to coordinate with several agencies including the Nevada National Guard, Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, City of Reno, City Towing, Waste Management, several hiking groups and Scouts from several units.
Waters arranged to have two Chinook helicopters airlift 18 vehicles along with several tons of trash along the Steamboat Ditch and the Hunter Creek areas. The cleanup was on May 2, 2015, and resulted in the removal of several contaminants leaking into the Reno watershed. The Scout’s efforts saved a part of the natural environment and was a major service to the community.