Jackson, WY – January 21, 2024
The Teton Climbers’ Coalition proudly announced Linda Merigliano as the recipient of its first annual Local Hero award during a special ceremony held on Saturday, January 20, at the organization’s second annual AlpinFilm Festival. The award was presented to Merigliano by the non-profit’s board of directors before a captivated audience at the Center for the Arts.
As the Recreation Program Manager for the Jackson and Black Rock areas of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Merigliano has displayed an unwavering commitment to promoting responsible recreation while safeguarding some of Wyoming’s most cherished public lands for more than 30 years.
The accolade, a beautiful wooden plaque handcrafted by TCC board member Charlie Thomas, symbolizes Linda’s dedication to the Teton community. The presentation took place on the second night of the festival, a celebration of mountain cinema deeply connected to the spirit, tradition, and legacy of mountaineering in the Tetons.
Christian Beckwith, the TCC’s Executive Director, expressed the organization’s profound gratitude for Merigliano’s contributions: “Linda’s outstanding efforts in preserving our public lands, coupled with her focus on consensus-building and engaging the community in collaborative discussions around responsible recreation, make her a true Local Hero. The award is a small token of our immense appreciation for Linda’s impactful work.”
The Local Hero award, which recognizes exceptional stewardship, advocacy, and engagement by community members, represents the TCC’s commitment to honoring individuals whose efforts have positively impacted the Valley.
Merigliano’s dedication to public land stewardship has been rooted in outreach, communication, and education for more than thirty years. The organization congratulates Merigliano on this well-deserved recognition and expresses gratitude for her ongoing dedication to the preservation and enhancement of the places within which community like to play.