For Immediate Release

November 3, 2006

Contact:

Vanessa Gulati

617-626-1119

STATE RECOGNIZES ARTISTS FOR WORK AT STATE PARKS

Original artwork enlivens ‘Iron Ranger’ receptacles

UXBRIDGE—Today, at a ceremony at Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) recognized artists who painted wildlife and landscape scenes on ten Iron Rangers, receptacles that receive financial contributions to benefit the state forests and parks system through the Conservation Trust.

“This program has succeeded in advancing DCR’s Clean and Green initiative, which strives to improve park appearance while promoting partnerships in the parks,” said DCR Commissioner Stephen H. Burrington. “These artists have given the Iron Rangers a fresh new look, which has generated interest in, and support for, the state’s parks, beaches and forests.”

The Iron Rangers painted this year are located at Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge, Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield, F. Gilbert Hills State Forest in Foxboro, Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle, Hopkinton State Park, Moore State Park in Paxton, Rutland State Park, Sandy Point State Reservation in Ipswich and Wendell State Forest.

The Iron Ranger artwork program, now in its third year, provides artists an opportunity to display their work in one of DCR’s parks, while helping to enhance the aesthetic value of the Iron Rangers. The program has also helped increase donations, with some painted Iron Rangers bringing in more than double the contributions of the previous year. Donations made via Iron Rangers are earmarked for the property in which they were received.

The DCR Conservation Trust, established by legislation in 1990 receives financial contributions for the purpose of advancing the recreational and conservation interests of the Commonwealth. The Trust provides a way for citizens, businesses and foundations to contribute to the recreational and conservation interests of Massachusetts. Tax-deductible contributions can be designated for particular parks or programs of the donor’s choice.

Photos of the Iron Rangers painted this year are available upon request.

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