A trio of politicians and two filmmakers who spent a decade exploring the National Park System have been honored by the National Parks Conservation Association for their efforts on behalf of national parks.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, former Sens. Howard Baker and J. Bennett Johnston, along with Ken Burns and his colleague, Dayton Duncan, were praised by NPCA earlier this week during the group's annual gathering, Salute to the Parks: Protecting America's Heritage.

“NPCA and park visitors nationwide owe them a great deal of gratitude for tirelessly advocating on behalf of our national parks," said Tom Kiernan, NPCA's president.

The annual dinner draws hundreds of dignitaries, including members of Congress, the National Park Service, and national park supporters from across the country. Among those on hand was Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who presented the William Penn Mott Jr. Park Leadership Award, which goes to a public official who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the protection of America’s natural and cultural heritage, to Sen. Bingaman.

In anticipation of the upcoming centennial of the National Park Service in 2016, the Centennial Leadership Award, which honors a public official or private citizen who has made an outstanding contribution toward ensuring that the national parks are ready and well-prepared for their second century of service to the American people, to former Sens. Howard Baker and Bennett Johnston for their leadership in advancing the National Parks Second Century Commission.

Lastly, the Robin W. Winks Award for Enhancing Public Understanding of National Parks, which is given annually to an individual or organization that has effectively communicated the values of the National Park System to the American public, was presented to Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan in recognition of their stunning documentary about national parks, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.