Dr. William Patrick, a leader in wetland research for more than 50 years, won the 2002 National Wetlands Award for Science Research. He will be honored at a ceremony on May 16, 2002, at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, DC.
A professor at Louisiana State University since 1953, Dr. Patrick has produced groundbreaking work on wetland soil processes, where his research seeks to understand the chemical, physiochemical, and microbiological processes of natural wetland and rice soils. He has authored and co-authored more than 300 articles on wetland biogeochemistry, many of which have been published in prominent scientific journals. He has been a delegate to national and international conferences on wetland soil biogeochemistry, and has served as an advisor and consultant for government agencies and corporations responsible for managing wetlands.
“Dr. Patrick has played a crucial role in the development of the field of wetland soil science, and his research has contributed greatly to understanding the value of wetlands and their management,” said Dr. Glenn Guntenspergen, Secretary-General of the Society of Wetland Scientists.
Dr. Patrick established and directed for many years the Louisiana State University Wetland Biogeochemistry Institute, which focuses on environmental and regulatory research aspects of wetland soils and sediments. His major current research interests are the biogeochemistry of greenhouse gases in wetlands, both natural and agricultural, and the biogeochemistry of methylmercury in wetlands. He is also committed to linking his scientific work to environmental challenges. Much of his work has been directed at providing a scientific basis for making regulatory decisions and providing guidance to federal and state agencies. His research has had a significant impact on climate change policies and on the interpretation and application of Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act provisions.
Since 1989, the National Wetlands Awards program has honored exceptional individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary effort, innovation, and excellence in wetland conservation, research, or education through programs or projects at the regional, state, or local level. The program is co-sponsored by the Environmental Law Institute, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, and National Marine Fisheries Service. “Wetlands provide a vital link between our land and water resources, supplying a variety of unique physical, chemical, and biological functions,” said Dale Bosworth, Chief of the USDA Forest Service.
“I offer my congratulations to these environmental heroes and applaud their efforts to safeguard our national wetland heritage for current and future generations,” added Ben Grumbles, Deputy Assistant Administrator of Water at the Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information on the National Wetlands Awards winners, or the ceremony, contact Dorigen Fried at wetlandsawards@eli.org, http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org/index.htm or (202) 939-3250.