Top: Ken Lynch, SRBC Commissioner, Rep. Stern, Bottom: Paul Swartz, SRBC, John Dawes, Cathy Myers, DEP

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission this week presented its Frederick L. Zimmermann Award to Rep. Jerry Stern (R-Blair) and the William W. Jeanes, Sr. Award for Environmental Excellence to R. John Dawes of the Western Pennsylvania Watershed Program.

The Zimmermann Award is to honor elected officials who demonstrate excellence in watershed management, and the Jeanes Award honors organizations and individuals who contribute to the protection of water quality.

Rep. Stern received SRBC’s sixth Zimmermann Award for his commitment to watershed management, his unwaivering support of the Commission’s water resource management activities and his leadership for an appropriation to enable projects intended to compensate for consumptive water use by farmers in the Pennsylvania portion of the Susquehanna River Basin. One of those projects, the Barnes and Tucker facility, will also improve water quality in the West Branch Susquehanna River.

SRBC Executive Director Paul Swartz said, “Rep. Stern truly understands that rivers and groundwaters do not recognize political boundaries, and it is best to manage the water resources of the Susquehanna basin on a watershed basis. That was the vision of Frederick Zimmermann, and his legacy lives on today through the exemplary work of elected officials like Rep. Stern.”

Rep. Stern is serving his 8th term in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, representing portions of Blair County. As the Caucus Secretary for his party, he helps establish the assembly’s legislative agenda. He is a life-long resident of Blair County and he currently resides in Martinsburg.

John Dawes of Alexandria, Huntingdon County received SRBC’s fifth Jeanes Award for his contributions to water quality protection and support of watershed groups, particularly as Administrator of the Western Pennsylvania Watershed Program, which provides financial support and guidance to local watershed and volunteer-based organizations.

Dawes also was cited for his leadership in several watershed organizations and for working tirelessly in 2006 with a coalition that assisted in the landmark reauthorization of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.

Swartz said, “John Dawes has devoted himself, both professionally and in his personal life, to watershed restoration and protection. The Commission is pleased to honor and recognize his countless contributions toward the reduction of abandoned mine drainage, streamside litter, nonpoint source pollution, and other sources of water quality impairment.”

3/16/2007