Larry Williamson

The Central Pennsylvania Conservancy will honor the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Larry Williamson as the 2007 Conservationist of the Year at their annual awards dinner on December 5 in Harrisburg.

Willaimson was nominated through a solicitation of nominees from over 35 conservation organizations. He also received the 2007 Lifetime Leadership Award from the PA Land Trust Association.

Williamson has spent over 35 years working in conservation, serving most recently as DCNR Deputy Secretary for Conservation and Technical Services. Under his leadership, the Bureau has funded over 8,000 park, recreation, greenways, heritage preservation, rivers conservation and open space protection projects totaling close to half a billion dollars.

Notable conservation programs he helped initiate and implement include County Natural Areas Inventories, Gateway Gardens, the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, PA Heritage Parks Program, Rivers Conservation, Rails-to-Trails and PA Recreational Trails programs, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93) Program and the Growing Greener Program. He is one of the founding fathers of Pennsylvania’s Greenways plan and program.

Williamson has requested that any gifts or special recognition on his behalf be directed toward the Clifford L. Jones Stewardship Fund. Sponsorship proceeds from this evening’s event will also be directed to this fund. It is through responsible stewardship we are assured our good work today will be here for generations to enjoy.

For more information, contact Debra Bowman, Central PA Conservancy, by calling 717-233-0221 or send email to: dbowman@centralpaconservancy.org .

11/16/2007