Recipients of 2004 National Wetlands Awards Announced

Six wetlands educators, scientists, and conservationists were selected as recipients of the 2004 National Wetlands Awards for exemplary contributions in conserving or restoring the Nation’s wetlands. They will be honored at a presentation on May 20th in the United States Senate Caucus Room in Washington, DC.

The National Wetlands Awards Program celebrates individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, innovation or excellence in wetlands conservation. Their work covers programs or projects on the regional, state and local levels. "We are grateful for the exceptional efforts of these awardees. Their efforts to protect and preserve our nation’s wetlands help sustain healthy aquatic habitats for diverse species of plants, fish and wildlife," said Major General Carl A. Strock, Director of Civil Works, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "The well-being of natural communities is essential to the quality of our lives."

"These awardees, at the forefront of America’s wetland protectors, provide a sense of confidence that we have the leadership, talent and commitment to achieve the challenging goals that we have set for the nation’s wetlands," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"The Forest Service is proud to support the National Wetland Awards program and to recognize these extraordinary individuals for their work in protecting and restoring our wetlands," Dale N. Bosworth, Chief of the USDA Forest Service, stated.

Program co-sponsors—the Environmental Law Institute, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—believe that recognizing these individuals for their efforts will help ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy high quality wetlands, biological diversity and clean water. "When wetlands disappear, essential habitats for hundreds of species of wildlife and plants also disappear," said Steve Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "For people, wetland losses mean declines in water quality and increased flood risk."

"NOAA Fisheries congratulates this year’s National Wetlands Awardees on their hard work and dedication in protecting and restoring our nation;s wetlands," said Dr. Bill Hogarth, Assistant Administrator, NOAA Fisheries. "So many fish and shellfish depend on wetlands for habitat and cleaner water. The awardees’ efforts are felt by many."

The 2004 Award recipients were chosen by a diverse selection committee comprised of national leaders in wetlands conservation, including Connie Cahanap (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), Albert Cerna (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service), Lauren Driscoll (Washington Department of Ecology), Arthur Feinstein (Golden Gate Audubon Society), Abby Friedman (National Association of Counties), Bill Haglan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), Paul Scott Hausmann (Wisconsin Deptartment of Natural Resources), Graeme Lockaby (Auburn University), Moira McDonald (National Fish and Wildlife Foundation), Leah Miller (Izaak Walton League of America), Leopoldo Miranda (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), Heidi Ricci (Massachusetts Audubon Society), Daniel Rosenberg (Natural Resources Defense Council), Karen Solari (USDA Forest Service), Susan-Marie Stedman (NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service), Bill Streever (BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.), Katherine Trott (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), and Gene Whitaker (National Association of Conservation Districts).

"The National Wetlands Awards demonstrate the power of collaboration," said Bruce Knight, Chief, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. "No one person or group has the land base, knowledge, financial resources and people power to do it all; but put it together and wonderful things start to ha