Former director of DNR Outdoor Recreation Steve Morris has been retired since August 2017 but is still winning awards for his service.

On June 14, the Greenways Foundation honored Morris with its award for “Outstanding Public Official.” The award honors an Indiana public official whose vision and passion have led to demonstrated success with trail networks.

“I could not imagine a better candidate for this award” said Amy Marisavljevic, streams and trails section chief for DNR Outdoor Recreation. “Steve was an exemplary advocate for trails and his work greatly impacted the Indiana trail network we have today.” 

Morris worked in the Division of Outdoor Recreation for 20 years and was a tireless advocate for trail building.

During Morris’ tenure, Indiana’s public trail system grew to more than 3,700 miles for hiking, biking, horseback riding, motorized recreation, and more. He also played a crucial role in “Hoosiers On the Move,” Indiana’s first statewide trails plan, as well as the Indiana Trail Inventory, a comprehensive database and map that is now part of the Indiana Trail Finder.

Morris was and continues to be a role model for outdoor recreation in his personal time, also. He bike commuted to the office, helped with river clean-ups, and volunteered with his neighborhood organization on trail development.

The Division of Outdoor Recreation aims to increase and improve outdoor recreation opportunities in Indiana through partnerships with federal, state and local agencies, parks departments, outdoor recreation organizations, non-profits and more.

Learn more at dnr.IN.gov/outdoor/.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.
 

Media contact: Amy Marisavljevic, Streams and Trails Section Chief, DNR Division of Outdoor Recreation, 317-232-4067, amarisavljevic@dnr.IN.gov.