Karl Mason, Pennsylvania’s first state environmental administrator, was the subject of a 4-page profile in the summer issue of Pennsylvania Heritage magazine published by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Karl Mason served as Pennsylvania’s first State Environmental Administrator from 1952 to 1966. His holistic vision of environmental management set the pattern for the state that embraces all essential elements of the problems of air, water and land related waste disposal and community environmental protection. The general framework established by Mason serves as the foundation for Pennsylvania’s environmental protection programs to this day.

The article in Pennsylvania Heritage is part of the Karl Mason Conservation Heritage Project at the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission that began in October 2005. Dr. Vagel Keller, the author, joined the project to conduct research into the contributions Mason made to conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.

The Project is funded by the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals and the family of the late conservation pioneer and administered by the Pennsylvania Heritage Society.

PAEP pays tribute to Karl Mason’s legacy annually through its Karl Mason Award which recognizes a person, organization or project that has made a significant contribution to the betterment of Pennsylvania’s environment.

Link: Profile- Karl Mason 1915-1966, Pennsylvania Heritage Magazine

7/14/2006