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Jorgensen’s Desert Bighorn Book Racks up Silver and Gold

Desert Bighorn Sheep
Desert Bighorn Sheep by Mark Jorgensen, 2015

April 13, 2016 – San Diego, CA – Continuing its tradition of producing quality works on the natural and cultural histories of the southwest deserts, Sunbelt Publications is pleased to share several new accolades with author and retired Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Superintendent Mark C. Jorgensen, photographer Jeff Young, and designer Kathleen Wise. Two of the most reputable agency awards in the independent publishing community, Independent Book Publishers Association’s Benjamin Franklin Awards, and Jenkins Group’s Independent Publisher (IPPY) Book Awards have recognized the immensely popular Desert Bighorn Sheep: Wilderness Icon with gold medal awards for cover design. Additionally, the book was awarded a Benjamin Franklin silver medal in the category of nature and environment and an IPPY silver for best regional nonfiction.

Diana Lindsay
President of Sunbelt Publications, Diana Lindsay

Diana Lindsay, president of Sunbelt Publications, was thrilled to hear about the multiple awards and said, “It is an achievement on several levels that recognizes the outstanding photography of Jeff Young, the design skills of Kathleen Wise, and the dedication and expertise of Mark Jorgensen who is a resounding spokesman for the desert bighorn sheep.”

Mark Jorgensen has spent a lifetime studying and tracking desert bighorns throughout their range. Following his 36-year career in California State Parks, he continues to be a leading authority on bighorn sheep and is currently on the technical staff of the Desert Bighorn Council and is an advisor to the Bighorn Institute. In his efforts to protect this iconic species, Jorgensen frequently advocates on their behalf through public presentations and media outlets, the book serving as an invaluable tool in this endeavor, as Desert Bighorn Sheep: Wilderness Icon is the most comprehensive photographic work ever published on this iconic symbol of the deserts of the southwest US and northern Mexico.

Mark Jorgensen, Author
Mark Jorgensen, Author

Jorgensen says of the awards, “What an honor simply to be considered in such esteemed award programs and what a thrill to win gold medals for cover design in both the Independent Publishers and the Benjamin Franklin Awards.  [Jeff Young and I] are also very honored with the silver medals. We have gratitude to the organizations, the judges, Sunbelt Publications and its staff, as well as our fellow authors and photographers who were among the superb field of competition.”

Awards Promo_AprilTo request an interview or speaking engagement with the author, or to propose a book review, please contact Sunbelt Publications marketing coordinator, Kara Murphy.