OpportunitiesGulf of Maine Visionary Award WinnersSince 1997, the Gulf of Maine Times has run an annual story on the award winners. To read these articles, simply follow the links below: Award recipients are grouped by their state/province of residence. To jump to a particular state or province follow the links below: Maine RecipientsDavid Getchell, founder of the Maine Island Trail Association (1991). Maine-New Hampshire Port Safety Forum, interagency oil spill prevention and response planning team (1991). Esperanza Stancioff, volunteer water quality monitoring organizer (1992). The Friends of the Casco Bay, citizen stewardship group to protect the Bay (1992). John Sowles, leadership in coastal monitoring in Maine, Gulfwatch and the Gulf of Maine Regional Monitoring Plan (1993). Georges River Tidewater Association, first citizen monitoring group in Maine, model for water quality monitoring (1993). Penobscot 2000 Expedition, river curriculum project for all communities along the Penobscot (1994). Jeff and Deb Sandler, marine educators working in schools throughout the Gulf coast for 17 years (1994). Coastal Enterprises, community economic development corporation with fisheries programs (1995). Chewonki Foundation, development of education materials about the Gulf of Maine (1995). Sherman Hoyt, worked to open shellfish beds and train clam harvesters to identify pollution problems (1996). Gulf of Maine Aquarium of Portland, for innovative education programs on aquatic environments (1996). Robin Alden, for pioneering innovative marine resource management techniques as commissioner of the department of marine resources from 1995 to 1997 and for helping to communicate to the public complex fisheries issues as founder of commercial fisheries news and the fishermen’s forum (1997). University of Maine’s School of Marine Sciences, under the direction of Dr. Bruce Sidell, for its tremendous contributions to the public’s understanding of the Gulf of Maine through education and research (1997). Penobscot Marine Museum, under the leadership of Executive Director Renny Stackpole, for chronicling, preserving, and championing the marine heritage of Maine, and for working to interpret and protect Penobscot Bay (1998). Edward A. Myers, for his pioneering work in the shellfish aquaculture industry, volunteer work with many coastal conservation organizations, and advocacy for the protection and wise use of the Gulf of Maine’s marine resources (1998). Terry Stockwell, for his extraordinary dedication to the development and implementation of an innovative approach to the management of Maine’s lobster fishery (1999). Kennebec Coalition, for its outstanding grassroots advocacy and coordination that led to the removal of the Edwards Dam and the restoration of seventeen miles of the Kennebec River (1999). Craig Pendleton, for his work with the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance, an organization dedicated to transforming the way individuals and institutions interact to manage marine resources. Mr. Pendleton is committed to forging a consensus among diverse groups and to developing collaborative approaches to managing the Gulf of Maine’s resources (2000). Coastal Conservation Association of Maine, a recreational saltwater angling organization. The Coastal Conservation Association dedicates itself to providing the public with saltwater angling opportunities, conserving marine fisheries, restoring rivers, and returning anadromous fish to the Gulf of Maine watershed (2000). Peter Salmansohn, as the education coordinator for Project Puffin, he has reached more than 6,000 students, and combines classroom visits with boat rides to view puffins, terns and other seabirds at Egg Rock Island (2001). Sonja Sundaram and Ben Walter, for creating the 200 acre Oceanside Meadows Inn and nature preserve. Their nature-based tourism activities include education on Marine Habitats and opening the Oceanside Meadows Institute for the Arts and Sciences (2001). Ted Regan, for founding "Ripple-Effect" (with Aaron Frederick) and exposing teens to the Maine coastal experience through adventures in kayaking, geology, culture and the history of the environment (2002). Aaron Frederick, for founding "Ripple-Effect" (with Ted Regan) and exposing teens to the Maine coastal experience through adventures in kayaking, geology, culture and the history of the environment (2002). Massachusetts RecipientsJack Crowley, co-founder of Massachusetts Marine Educators Association (1991). Salem Partnership (Salem Sound 2000), public/private coalition to support water quality programs in the Sound (1991). Wayne Castonguay, activist in pollution remediation and shellfish bed restoration (1992). North & South River Watershed Association, citizen monitoring and stewardship in the watershed (1992). David Wiley, founder of the New England Harbor Porpoise Working Group (1993). Merrimack River Watershed Council, protection of the Merrimack River and its watershed (1993). George Heufelder, coordinator of the MA Mini-Bays Program in Wellfleet harbor (1994). Saunders Hotel Group, corporate conservation initiatives and communication campaigns (1994). Stephen Greene, leadership of Polaroid’s work in environmental reporting, policy and management (1995). Neponsett River Watershed Association, coordination of nonpoint source pollution program in the watershed (1995). Governor William Weld, leadership in Massachusetts’ environmental issues (1996). Reaching Out to Chelsea Adolescents (ROCA), for encouraging leadership in young people in Chelsea and Revere by involving them in coastal environmental projects (1996). Toad Hall Bookstore, in recognition of its longstanding support of a multitude of small, grassroots environmental advocacy and environmental groups on the North Shore of Massachusetts (1997). Stormy Mayo of the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, for his pioneering role in establishing the Marine Mammal Disentanglement Network which has worked for over 20 years responding to marine mammal entanglements and effectively heightening public and government concern for the protection of cetaceans in the entire Gulf of Maine (1997). Scott Hecker and the Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Coastal Waterbird Program, for their commitment to the protection and restoration of coastal waterbird populations. The Coastal Waterbird Program has developed from a small, seasonal project in 1987 to an effective national model program today. The program is largely responsible for the rapidly recovering population of the federally threatened Piping Plover, which has increased in Massachusetts from 126 pairs in 1987 to 490 pairs in 1997 (1998). Robert “Stubby” Knowles and Dave Sargeant, for their effective teamwork in accomplishing tremendous coastal improvements in the Gloucester / Essex County region through their combination of technical and practical expertise. As a result of Stubby and Dave’s unique vision, proactive efforts, and extensive volunteer time, numerous shellfish beds have been reopened, many Gloucester coastal access sites have been retained, priority marsh areas have been restored, and water quality has dramatically improved (1998). Len Gonsalves, Exec. Director, Buzzards Bay Action Committee, for his creative and energetic efforts on behalf of Buzzards Bay and his role in reinvigorating the Buzzards Bay Action Committee (1999). Maria Burks, Superintendent of the Cape Cod National Seashore, for her recognition of the delicate balance between the social, political and environmental aspects of responsible stewardship (1999). Henry Lind, who consistently goes beyond the call of duty to sustain and enhance the environmental resources of his corner of the Gulf of Maine. In addition to serving as Director of Natural Resources, Henry is the town’s Shellfish Officer, Harbormaster and Conservation Commission Agent. Through his 25 years in these positions, he has become the town expert on coastal issues ranging from oil spills to marine mammal strandings to boat moorings. Henry’s easy-going but determined nature combined with his extensive and broad expertise of coastal issues has earned him the respect of his peers in adjacent towns, state agency personnel and local citizens (2000). Maria Van Dusen has long-recognized the importance of taking a watershed approach to environmental management in Massachusetts and the greater Gulf of Maine. Through her work both with the Riverways and Watershed programs, Maria’s “big picture” vision and forthright “on the ground” approach have made an indelible imprint on the Massachusetts environment. Never hesitant to speak her mind, Maria has demonstrated that far-reaching change is made with a combination of hard work and clear vision (2000). Rick Karney, for leading the Martha's Vineyard Shellfish Group, whose work includes spawning shellfish, training fishermen displaced by fishing closures, public education, and shellfish population studies (2001). Vivien Li, who as the executive director of The Boston Harbour Association has played a defining role in considering all interests while advocating a clean and accessible waterfront, and has advanced educational, marine debris clean-up and beach improvement programs (2001). Dr. Moira Brown, for leading the international efforts that changed shipping routes in the Bay of Fundy in attempts to reduce ship strikes on Northern Atlantic right whales. She has spent the last 20 years working to protect this most endangered large whale on earth (2002). Amy Holt Cline, Charles Saulnier, Steve Chinosi, and George Vanikiotis, these teachers from Essex Agricultural and Technical High School have used tracking and mapping systems to study the salt marshes and biological systems; taught GIS and created customized maps with students on habitat and natural areas; taught literature and song of the waterways; built wood canvas canoes with students and collected water quality and macroinvertebrate data during the week-long trip down the Merrimack River (respectively) (2002). New Brunswick RecipientsElaine Bateman, journalist covering environmental problems of the Bay of Fundy (1991). Huntsman Marine Science Centre, marine education and co-sponsor of community coastal zone management efforts (1991). St. Croix International Waterway Commission, international approach protecting a key part of the Gulf ecosystem (1992). Peter Pearce, marine wildlife conservationist, naturalist and educator with the Canadian Wildlife Service (1992). Janice Harvey, environmental advocate, organizer of Bay of Fundy - A Case for Community Action Project (1993). JD Irving Ltd., private sector commitment to environmental protection by establishing the Irving Nature Park (1993). Martin Thomas, researcher on ecology and environmental impacts on the Bay of Fundy and nearby wetlands (1994). Grand Manan Fishermen’s Association, development of Fundy Marine Service Center marine conservation programs (1994). Garnet Matheson, salmon aquaculture (1995). St. Croix Estuary Project, volunteer citizens groups to protect Passamaquoddy Bay (1995). Dr. Mary Majka, founder of the New Brunswick Federation of Naturalists, for her life long commitment to preserving and enhancing the upper coastal region of the Bay of Fundy (1996). New Brunswick Museum, for its conservation education programs on the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine (1996). ACAP St John, for its work with volunteer citizens’ groups and private/public agencies to heighten awareness and education regarding the many coastal zone issues in the Saint John Harbour/Estuary Area (1997). Peter Hicklin, for two decades of outstanding work with the Canadian Wildlife Service on the shorebirds and the ecology of the Upper Bay of Fundy, his work has been instrumental in understanding the role of the intertidal mudflat systems and sustaining the populations of migrating shorebirds, which are a vital component of these environments (1997) Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc., in recognition of its outstanding work in bringing together a diverse assemblage of community stakeholders to work on environmental issues in Southwestern New Brunswick. The organization has worked cooperatively and partnered with government, industry and academia on a series of successful coastal watershed initiatives. (1998). Dr. William Beverly Scott, Ph.D., D.S.C., F.R.S.C., in recognition of his outstanding work on the distribution, systematics, behavior and ecology of the fishes of the Gulf of Maine. Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Scott has served as Honorary Curator of the St. Andrews Biological Station, Executive Director of the Huntsman Marine Laboratory and as a Senior Scientists at the Huntsman Marine Science Center (1998). Art McKay, for his diverse activities in the Gulf, from establishing successful commercial Atlantic Salmon sea farms, to consulting activities such as marine inventories, environmental studies and fisheries studies, to publications and art work (1999). The Nature Trust of New Brunswick, for its dedication to the preservation of ecologically significant areas in the province through the creation and maintenance of nature preserves to benefit present and future generations (1999). Southern Carleton Elementary School: When staff at Southern Carleton Elementary School near Woodstock, New Brunswick learned in 1998 that the small hardwood stand adjacent to the playground was an example of Appalachian Hardwood Forest containing many plants rare or uncommon in the province, they immediately began to look for ways the school could protect and benefit from this unusual asset. Over the next two years, with the support of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick and the cooperation of a neighbour who owned the portion of the woodland not owned by the school, staff members developed a plan for the woods to serve as an outdoor "ecological classroom". They identified and marked trees and understorey plants, established very low impact paths, and, perhaps most important, developed kits for teachers demonstrating how the ecological classroom could be used within the curriculum at each grade level. By protecting this stand of rich hardwood forest in a way that teaches children to recognize and appreciate its value, Southern Carleton Elementary School has an influence, which extends well beyond the school and far into the future. Southern Carleton's AHF woodland is part of the ecologically rich watershed of the Meduxnekeag River, a tributary of the St. John River, the largest river flowing into the Gulf of Maine (2000). Stephen Wilson, As President of the Meduxnekeag River Association, Stephen Wilson has spearheaded the work of this nonprofit organization in developing community stewardship of the ecologically rich Meduxnekeag watershed. Beginning with fish and habitat surveys and water quality monitoring in the river itself, the Association then expanded its approach to include tributary stream restoration and riparian zone activity. In the Fall of 1998, when an ecologically-significant 150-acre wooded property with more than 2-km of shoreline came onto the market, Stephen Wilson played a crucial role organizing members and supporters of the Association to guarantee a $125,000 bank loan. This enabled the Association to purchase the property as a nature preserve. Continued local fundraising placed the Association ahead of schedule in its 5-year plan to pay off the loan, and members are looking ahead to the next opportunity to protect more of one of the most ecologically rich watersheds in the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. (2000). David Folster, who with friends pioneered the Saint John River Society. Their activities include a newsletter, Christmas cards, topographical wall map of the watershed, concerts, and promoting the history of the river (2001). Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station, for helping fishers release harbour porpoises from herring weirs, educating visitors at their museum, contributing to the Right Whale Recovery Plan, helping whales in trouble, and assisting whale watch operators to develop and adopt a Code of Ethics to protect marine mammals and seabirds (2001). Atlantic Salmon Federation, for its efforts to conserve and restore salmon populations. Their work includes Dam removal, education, developing tagging systems, and helping to end the last commercial fishery in Greenland that targeted the North American wild salmon (2002). David A. Ganong, for facilitating the transfer of the Ganong family-owned lands into the Whidden and Eleanor Ganong Nature Park (330 acres - 142 hectares), a conservation trust now managed by the St. Croix Estuary Project (2002). New Hampshire RecipientsJulia Steed-Mawson, creative marine education programming (1991). Friends of Odiorne, fundraising and sponsorship of coastal education programs (1991). Governor Judd Gregg, leading advocate for the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge (1992). Society for Protection of New Hampshire Forests, leaders in public/private land protection program (1992). Students of Salem High School, designs of data analysis spreadsheets for annual coastal clean-up data cards (1993). Town of Seabrook, completion of sand dune restoration (1993). John Merrill, salt marsh restoration on private land (1994). Awcomin Marsh Restoration Project, protecting 100 acres of wetlands by restring tidal flow in a salt marsh (1994). Nicole Median, Girl Scout peer environmental protection program with coastal clean-up (1995)City of Dover, stormwater management program that includes schools and over 500 volunteers (1995). Sharon Meeker, a NH marine education specialist, for advancing education of people of all ages about marine ecology and the Gulf (1996). Mike Gowell and the Piscataqua Gundalow Project at Strawberry Banke Museum, the project uses a gundalow (replica of a flat bottomed sailing barge used through the early 1900's) as an educational tool (1996). Tern Restoration Project, a joint project between the NH Fish and Game Department and the Audubon Society of NH (1997). Northeast Petroleum, for their support of coastal and marine education through curriculum development and financial support for field trips to coastal education centers for economically challenged schools throughout the region, for providing leadership in responsible business and coastal and marine education in the Gulf of Maine watershed (1997). Advocates for the North Mill Pond of Portsmouth, for their on-going dedication to the protection, restoration and enhancement of the North Mill Pond estuary, including: an annual shoreline cleanup, salt marsh restoration through grass planting and mussel seeding, water quality monitoring, storm drain stenciling, community awareness and outreach, and publication of the study entitled “The State of the North Mill Pond (1998). Sue Foote of Seabrook, for her continued dedication to the protection, restoration and enhancement of the natural resources in coastal New Hampshire. As an active member of the Seabrook Conservation Commission and Planning Board, Sue has spearheaded wetlands and salt marsh projects among other efforts. She is an active participant in programs sponsored by the NH Estuaries Project, Great Bay Watch, NH Coastal Program, and UNH’s Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (1998). City of Rochester Public Works Department, for its commitment to the protection and restoration, and enhancement of the Cocheco River (1999). Erik Anderson, for his tireless dedication to the protection and restoration of New Hampshire’s fisheries, marine mammals, and small independent fishing businesses (1999). Linda Kukis Scherf, for her untiring commitment to protecting the Gulf of Maine watershed, by sharing her knowledge of the environment with others and taking direct actions to safeguard environmental quality. As a teacher at Saint Mary Academy in Dover, New Hampshire, Scherf brings her passion about the environment to her students. They have “adopted” Wallis Sands in Rye, NH and organize coastal clean ups at that site throughout the year. Scherf is a long-time participant in the Great Bay Coast Watch, a volunteer water quality monitoring program, and her students sample water quality on the Cocheco River as part of that program. Scherf and her students participate in the Gulf of Maine Institute Without Walls youth stewardship program. When she is not teaching, Scherf serves as Chair of the Cocheco River Watershed Coalition. She samples water along the Mad and Cocheco Rivers for the Coalition’s “Cocheco River Watch”, which is part of the state’s Volunteer River Assessment Program. Scherf also serves as a member of the Dover Conservation Commission (2000). The University of New Hampshire Marine Docents, for 20 years of increasing public awareness of the marine environment through their volunteer efforts as trained community outreach volunteers. The Docents create and present programs that include descriptions of New Hampshire's rocky shores, salt marshes, and beaches, as well as aquaculture and technical aspects of wave and tidal action. Many Docents work with school children, bringing presentations about the marine and coastal environments to schools, 4-H clubs, and scout groups. The Docents also conduct tours of the Shoals Marine Laboratory and Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, and act as field guides and instructors at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, and the Sandy Point Discovery Center in Stratham on Great Bay. Over 400 Docents have been trained over the history of the project. The Docents currently reach between 15,000 and 20,000 people per year (2000). Richard Langan, as co-director of the Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology, he has participated in efforts to develop technologies and techniques that monitor and prevent contamination and habitat degradation in estuarine and coastal waters (2001). Henry Mixter and the Town of North Hampton, for raising more than $70,000 (Cdn $115,500) for the restoration project of the Little River Salt Marsh. This project also eliminated the flood risk for 42 households (2001). Outreach & Education Committee (City of Dover), who organized workshops for residents and businesses about the fiscal and environmental advantages of preserving undeveloped lands. This lead to a change in zoning regulations to manage residential growth and protect natural resources, and joint initiatives with businesses and land conservationists to preserve open space and control development (2002). Barbara Baird, for participating in the Great Bay Coast Watch water monitoring program. Over the years she has trained and educated dozens of volunteers, and continues to monitor the entrance of the Winniconic River (2002). Nova Scotia RecipientsHenry Surette, promotion of waste oil collection program for fishermen (1991). Brier Island Ocean Study, establishment of the Adopt-a-Whale program and research on humpback and right whales (1991). Michael McAdam, Colchester River Enhancement Association (1992). Clean Annapolis River Project, volunteer environmental monitoring and fish habitat restoration (1992). Graham Daborn, research and community based environmental efforts to manage Bay of Fundy region (1993). Clyde River Committee, community work to protect heritage of Clyde River and public support for resource protection (1993). Harry Thurston, science and nature writer, author of Tidal Life: A Natural History of the Bay of Fundy (1994). Cumberland County River Enhancement Association, community stewardship of Bay of Fundy watersheds (1994). Ted d’Eon, birdwatcher, naturalist, researcher (1995). County of Annapolis and Community of Bear River, establishment of solar sewage treatment system (1995). Dr. Derek Davis, for his years of work in conservation, including developing a province wide environmental education program (1996). Digby East Fish and Game Association of Nova Scotia, for raising awareness of fish and wildlife issues, working to reduce potential damage from development and working to protect and restore wildlife populations (1996). Nova Scotia Power Inc., in recognition of research and enhancement of fisheries and fish habitats in the Annapolis, Bear, Black, Nictaux, Tusket, and Gaspereaus Rivers (1997). Steve Hawboldt, in recognition of his dedication to environmental education and involvement in community stewardship initiatives in the Gulf of Maine (1997). Clean Nova Scotia Foundation, in recognition of their leadership and facilitation of community programs on issues relating to beach clean up, environmental restoration, conservation and enhancement throughout Nova Scotia and for their role as coordinators of the Gulf-wide Beach Cleanup Program for Year of the Ocean 1998 (1998). Art Longard, as a founding member of the Gulf of Maine Council program in recognition of his dedication and commitment to the Gulf of Maine Council Program, for his support of collaborative management of the Gulf on an ecosystem basis, his belief in citizen volunteerism as an essential component for sustainability of natural resources (1998). Dr. Jon Percy, for many years of dedicated scientific research on marine and terrestrial ecosystems, publications, and involvement with community based organizations to promote public understanding of scientific principles and ecosystem dynamics (1999). Salmon River Salmon Association, in recognition of its leadership in the development and implementation of an environmental education program for elementary school students on the life cycles of Atlantic Salmon, habitat protection, and restoration, and its extensive volunteer effort to restore salmon populations in the Salmon, Meteghan, and Clare Rivers (1999) . Dr. Mike Brylinsky, in recognition of many years of environmental education, dedicated scientific research and publications on estuarine, marine, and freshwater ecosystems of the Bay of Fundy, and for his involvement in community-based initiatives providing scientific advice and promoting understanding of ecosystem functions, dynamics, and sustainable management practices (2000). Bay of Fundy Marine Resource Centre, in recognition of their success as a community-based institution providing facilitation services, capacity development and technical support to enable communities to assume a greater role in integrated management of coastal resources (2000). Walton Rector (individual award) and The Cape Chignecto Management Committee (group award), Mr. Rector was the first chair of the committee, whose efforts and planning helped develop Cape Chignecto Provincial park - the largest in the province with 4,200 hectares (10,000 acres) and 29 kilometers (18 miles) of pristine coastline. The park is managed by the committee (2001). Dr. Martin Willison, for initiating Gulf-wide discussions about protecting and sustaining healthy marine environments and biodiversity, and for helping to initiate the first international symposium on deep-sea corals (2002). Ducks Unlimited Canada, for impacting 17,686 hectares (43,701 acres) of wetland and associated upland habitats in Nova Scotia since the 1970's. Their work includes creating freshwater wetlands, conserving landscapes with wetland habitats, and working with landowners to restore riparian buffer zones, promote soil conservation, and on wastewater management projects (2002). |