The PA Association of Environmental Professionals presented the 2008 Karl Mason Award to the PA Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils and Terry A. Rightnour of Waters Edge Hydrology, Inc. during their annual conference last week.

Pictured in the photo are Mark Radell, PAEP, Susan Parry and Jo Ellen Litz of PARC&D, Terry Rightnour and Jason Minnick, PAEP President.

The Karl Mason Award is presented to meritorious nominees selected by the Board from two general categories: an individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in the field of environmental management and an organization, project or program that has made a significant contribution toward maintenance or restoration of Pennsylvania’s environmental quality.

Karl Mason believed and put into practice the notion that environmental protection is primarily the business of professionals who have the skills by virtue of their scientific training to manage the technical and scientific complexities of maintaining a safe, healthy and clean environment. He was committed to the belief that continuing education was an essential part of the career of every environmental professional.

PA Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils: The PARC&D was recognized for the work its nine regional RC&D Councils are doing to enhance the environment and quality of life in local communities throughout the state.

PAEP commended the PARC&D Councils for their “outstanding service and support of resource conservation and development in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through innovate and dynamic leadership and by nurturing partnerships among public and private agencies, corporations, organizations and citizens to protect, restore, and enhance the environment” during the presentation of this prestigious award.

The PA RC&D Program and regional non-profit Councils develop projects based on regional needs identified and provide technical and/or financial assistance necessary to bring various projects to fruition. The focus of the national RC&D program includes land conservation, water management, environmental enhancement, and community development.

There are 375 RC&D Councils nationally receiving assistance through the U. S. Department of Agriculture.

“With the support and collaboration of our partners within the USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service, we bring together local citizens at a regional level to plan and implement projects that not only address natural resource concerns, but also address the need for community and economic development within our important rural communities,” stated Lebanon County Commissioner Jo Ellen Litz during her acceptance of the award on behalf of the PARC&D Councils.

Terry A. Rightnour, Waters Edge Hydrology, Inc.: Rightnour is the President and Principal Hydrologist of Waters Edge Hydrology, Inc. He has more than 25 years of experience in the field of environmental consulting.

He is most recognized for his innovative work in developing and applying natural designs and ecology-based technologies to meet water resource protection, restoration, and management needs. His technical expertise in passive wetland treatment for the electric utility industry has led to award winning sustainable designs to treat wastewaters from coal combustion byproduct landfills.

His work with the mining industry has included sustainable solutions for mine drainage abatement, reclamation plans, abandoned mine land restoration, and mine drainage water treatment.

His experience in stream restoration and wetland mitigation includes high profile projects employing new and emerging technologies for riparian habitat creation, natural channel design, wetland mitigation banking, and the abatement of acid deposition on a watershed scale.

As a guest instructor and advisor for Penn State’s Environmental Resource Management Program, Rightnour actively participates in university-based environmental programs and educational seminars on environmental management topics and has developed and taught related workshops for industry and government.

Rightnour is a charter member of the PA Association of Environmental Professionals and an active member of American Institute of Hydrology and Society of Wetland Scientists.

He was awarded the Game Commission’s Wildlife Conservation Award for his work with acid rain mitigation and wetland habitat creation in the Mosquito Creek watershed and has been selected as an Outstanding Alumnus by the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences for his accomplishments in the field of environmental management.

The Karl Mason Awards program is administered by the PAEP Conservation Heritage Committee as part of its Conservation Heritage Program.

In collaboration with PAEP, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is producing an array of projects over the next several years to increase conservation heritage awareness in the Commonwealth.

For example, the PAEP and the Karl Mason Family jointly funded the Karl Mason Conservation Project, which includes research into the life and work of the late Karl Mason, regarded as the Commonwealth’s first environmental administrator. This research provides a pilot project for developing a template for including some of the state’s many conservation leaders in future exhibits, web sites, and public symposia.

During the 2008 Karl Mason Award ceremony luncheon Walter Lyon, one of Karl Mason’s employees, was present with his wife Ann. Walter spoke briefly about Karl Mason’s historical efforts to professionalize the Commonwealth’s resource agencies, and the need to maintain qualified professional environmental staff in the field of environmental management and regulation.

Barbara Franco, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and Beth Hager, PHMC Development Officer, were also on hand to welcome conference attendees.

For more information on PAEP’s Conservation Heritage Program, contact Wayne Kobe by sending email to: wwkpa@hughes.net.

5/16/2008