The PA Environmental Council was presented with the Friend of French Creek Award at the French Creek Valley Conservancy’s  2016 awards dinner held at the Iroqouis Boating and Fishing Club in Conneaut Lake, Crawford County on April 22.

PEC President Davitt Woodwell was on hand to accept the award, presented annually to recognize the dedicated work of persons and organizations who have provided exceptional support of conservation efforts in the French Creek Watershed.

“This recognition means a great deal to us, given PEC’s long association with both the French Creek and FCVC,” said Woodwell. “Our work in the watershed began in earnest in 1995 and our involvement continues today. The conservation successes that have been achieved by so many partners in the basin are testaments to partnership, perseverance, and patience. ”

In 1995 PEC and the Western PA Conservancy created the French Creek Project, an initiative aimed at raising public awareness, coordinating community conservation efforts, preserving habitat, and maintaining the stream’s biodiversity.

PEC managed that partnership until 2012, when FCVC assumed its current leadership position in the effort.

PEC recently played a leading role with FCVC in the 2012 launch of the French Creek Town Program, an effort spurring economic and recreational growth based on the value of the surrounding watershed.

PEC also partnered with FCVC in the 2015 purchase of the Black Bridge, an important link in developing the Erie to Pittsburgh trail network.

“PEC, through many people but significantly through Davitt, has worked selflessly to support conservation efforts in the French Creek Watershed for decades,” said FCVC Board President Jim Lang. “PEC has been involved (often behind the scenes) in many of the successful efforts.”

The evening’s other honoree was Ann Sand, who was presented with the Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award.

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5/2/2016