NOAA
Names Environmental Heroes
April 20, 2001
Contact:
Connie Barclay, NOAA 2001-R414
The
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has named six
National Ocean Service volunteers as Environmental Heroes for
2001. This is the sixth consecutive year in which the Commerce
Department agency has recognized local citizens throughout the
United States who have contributed to the protection and preservation
of the nation's coastal and marine environment.
"On
behalf of the 12,500 men and women working for the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, I am pleased to present these
individuals with 2001 Environmental Hero Awards," said Scott Gudes,
acting administrator for NOAA. "This award recognizes their dedicated
efforts and outstanding accomplishments to benefit the environment
and make our nation a better place for all Americans."
Each
year NOAA invites its line offices to submit nominations for Environmental
Hero Awards. This year there are a total of 27 honorees. Gudes
sent each of the environmental heroes a personal letter of congratulations,
and some are being honored in ceremonies centered around Earth
Day, April 23.
Deborah
Pardike is an influential local citizen from Alpena, Mich., involved
in the designation of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and
Underwater Preserve, the latest addition to the 13-site National
Marine Sanctuary system. She has volunteered countless hours,
providing input on community issues and concerns to NOAA and the
state of Michigan during the sanctuary designation process.
Robert
Michelson, a professional photographer and videographer has been
a staunch advocate and supporter of Stellwagen Bank National Marine
Sanctuary in Massachusetts. He has donated significant amounts
of time and talent, including wildlife and underwater photography
and video, to the sanctuary.
Bob
Breen has worked closely with California's Gulf of the Farallones
National Marine Sanctuary. He has been an active volunteer during
oil spills, and he teaches a special course at a local high school
for children interested in marine biology and the ocean.
Richie
Moretti is the founder of the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Fla.,
which opened in 1986. He has recruited many volunteers to assist
with sea turtle surgery, care and feeding, and public outreach
to ensure the continued health of these threatened species within
the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Theodore
H. Below won the Environmental Hero Award for his work as an avid
bird watcher. Below has studied the birds in the mangrove islands
on the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve in Florida for more
than 25 years. Below has spent much of his life trying to understand
habitats, species and natural phenomenon.
Francis
"Paul" Spadaro, president of the Magothy River Association, has
provided years of outstanding leadership to this organization,
which is devoted to the protection and enhancement of marine life
in the Magothy River in Maryland. Spadaro has formed a strong
volunteer network to help restore oysters to Chesapeake Bay. His
dedication and leadership are making a real difference.
For
more information on NOAA, please visit http://www.noaa.gov.
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