Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) 2019 Inspirational Interpretation and Resource Education (INSPIRE) Award Winner

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
http://www.blm.gov

October 3, 2019

In Reply Refer To:
1115, 8362 (420) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 10/08/2019
Information Bulletin No. 2020-001

To:                   All Washington Office and Field Office Officials

From:              Assistant Director, National Conservation Lands and Community Partnerships

Subject:           Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) 2019 Inspirational Interpretation and Resource Education (INSPIRE) Award Winner

We are pleased to announce the selection of Peter DeWitt from Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (JILONA) in Florida as the BLM’s 2019 INSPIRE Award winner.

Peter is the manager at JILONA, a 120 acre site that is part of South Florida’s urbanized Treasure Coast. Located a quarter mile from the Atlantic Ocean and bordered by the inter-coastal waterway, the site is best known for the iconic 1860 lighthouse which receives over 100,000 visitors a year. To reach the top of the lighthouse visitors must climb over 100 hundred cast iron steps spiraling counterclockwise around a central iron column. This ascent is very difficult and many visitors are unable to make the trek. Peter developed a specialized interpretive product – a virtual reality tour – that allows visitors incapable of making the climb the opportunity to experience the stunning views from the top of the lighthouse.

The virtual reality tour allows users to walk around the lighthouse deck, up to the lighthouse itself, and then to climb up to each landing within the tower before emerging on the lighthouse balcony. In addition, the tour also includes a glimpse inside the lens and around the top of the lantern room - both areas that regular tours cannot access. The virtual 360-degree tour has also been popular with children who wouldn’t otherwise meet the height requirement for access. The virtual reality headsets are available daily, and for special events so people can experience the spectacular views.

Peter's virtual reality program demonstrates innovation, creativity and originality, and truly brings the lighthouse experience to life. The program has put a smile on many individuals' faces as they experience a 360-degree virtual tour of the Jupiter Lighthouse they would have otherwise not been able to experience.

This award will presented at the Federal Excellence in Interpretation Awards ceremony on November 14, 2019, to be held in conjunction with the National Association for Interpretation’s 2019 National Conference. Winners of the Hiram M. Chittenden Award (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), Sense of Wonder Award (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service), Gifford Pinchot Excellence in Interpretation and Conservation Education Award (U.S. Forest Service), and Freeman Tilden Award (National Park Service) will also be acknowledged during this ceremony.

Congratulations to Peter and thank you to all who participated in this year’s awards competition. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Brianna Candelaria, BLM National Lead for Interpretation, at (202) 912-7583 or bcandela@blm.gov.

Signed by:                                                       Authenticated by:
Nikki Haskett                                                  Robert M. Williams
Acting, Assistant Director                              Division of Business Resources,WO-850
National Conservation Lands and
   Community Partnerships