Schwarzenegger to Receive Park Protection Award

"Schwarzenegger will be honored Oct. 29 with the National Park Trust's Bruce F. Vento Public Service Award in Washington, D.C. He won 'for his leadership and innovation in the protection of public lands in California and his lifelong commitment to children's health and to connecting them with the outdoors,' according to a statement by the group.

The award is given in connection with an annual fundraiser by the nonprofit group, which focuses on protecting national parkland.

Grace Lee, the National Park Trust's executive director, said in an e-mail that Schwarzenegger was selected late last year, 'based on the governor's overall record on conservation.' The group later expressed 'concerns' to Schwarzenegger about the closure plan, its officials have said."