For Release: Wednesday, October 13, 2004
DEC Announces 13th Annual Adirondack Stewardship Award
Dr. Chad P. Dawson Recognized for his Contributions to Adirondack Wilderness Management
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today announced the presentation of the 13th annual Adirondack Stewardship Award to Dr. Chad P. Dawson for his contribution to protecting wilderness values in the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
"The history, culture, and natural beauty of the Adirondack Forest Preserve make it one of the most important regions in the country," Commissioner Crotty said. "The Department is fortunate to have partners like Dr. Chad Dawson to assist us in planning for and managing these valuable lands. Dr. Dawson is recognized nationally for his contributions to protecting wilderness values, we are grateful for his involvement in State efforts and are pleased to present him with this prestigious award."
The Adirondack Stewardship Award is presented by DEC to groups or individuals who demonstrate outstanding stewardship of the natural resources of the Adirondacks. DEC presented the award at the 40th Anniversary National Wilderness Conference at the Fort William Henry Resort and Conference Center in Lake George, hosted by the Association for the Protection of the Adirondacks.
A plaque was presented to Dr. Dawson in recognition of, "his stature in the national wilderness management community and his substantial contributions to our Adirondack Forest Preserve planning and land stewardship efforts."
Dr. Dawson is Chair of the Forests and Natural Resource Management School at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY, where he teaches courses in wilderness and recreation management. He is the Managing Editor of the International Journal of Wilderness and co-author of Wilderness Management: Stewardship and Protection of Resources and Values. He is past chair and long-standing steering committee member of the Northeast Recreation Research Symposium.
Dr. Dawson has had a great direct and indirect influence on the protection and management of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. He has authored numerous research papers on Wilderness and Forest Preserve subjects, on a regional, national and international level, including papers presented at the 5th and 6th World Wilderness Congresses. He has mentored more than a half-dozen graduate recreation management students doing research on Adirondack Forest Preserve issues. His numerous technical reports and studies in support of management of the State's natural resources have assisted DEC in assessing the resources and planning for the management of the Forest Preserve.
Previous Adirondack Stewardship Award recipients include Joe Martens of the Open Space Institute in 2003; Dave Gillespie of the Alpine Club of Canada and the New York State Ranger School in 2002; the Family of John E. Foley of St. Lawrence County and John Dent of St. Lawrence County in 2001; Friends of Mt. Arab and Mike Carr of the Adirondack Nature Conservancy and Adirondack Land Trust in 2000; Sierra Club's Northeast Outings Committee and St. Lawrence County YCC in 1999; Paul Smith's College in 1998; the Adirondack Trail Improvement Society in 1997; Ward Lumber Company of Essex County in 1996; Edwin Ketchledge of Clinton County and the Chris Behr family of Vermont in 1995; Clarence Petty of St. Lawrence County and the Warren County Board of Supervisors in 1994; the Boquet River Association of Essex County in 1993 and the Fulton Chain of Lakes Association of Herkimer and Hamilton counties in 1992.
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