<p> Craighead Institute</p><p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CRAIGHEAD INSTITUTE Receives Special Achievement Award for Exceptional Application of Geospatial Technology</p><p>San Diego, California—July 14, 2011—Craighead Institute received a Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award at the Esri International User Conference (Esri UC) in San Diego, California held July 13, 2011. This award acknowledges vision, leadership, hard work, and innovative use of Esri's geographic information system (GIS) technology. Organizations from around the world honored at the Esri UC, span industries including agriculture, cartography, climate change, defense and intelligence, economic development, education, government, health and human services, telecommunications, and utilities. "The SAG Awards highlight extraordinary achievements and efforts to improve our world," says Esri president Jack Dangermond. "Each year I look forward to being part of this ceremony. It is a tradition that means a great deal to Esri and to GIS professionals." For more information about the 2011 Special Achievement in GIS Award winners, including project information and photos, please visit www.esri.com/sag. ###</p><p>The Craighead Institute is a Bozeman-based applied science and research organization founded in 1964by renowned grizzly bear researcher Dr. Frank Craighead. Together with his brother John, Frank Craighead conducted pioneering research in the 1960s using innovations in technology that brought the plight of the grizzly bears to national attention. </p><p>Today, the Craighead Institute is run by Frank Craighead’s son Lance, who, together with other scientists on staff, continues the tradition of quality research and on-the-ground conservation solutions. The Craighead Institute partners with scientists and land managers to develop innovative, science-based tools to address conservation challenges and help implement solutions that work across broad landscapes. Its programs are mostly based in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. For more information about the Craighead Institute or to make donation to support their work please visit them at www.craigheadinstitute.org or call 406.585.8705. </p>