EDITH CHASE OF KENT, OHIO RECEIVES THE 2005 WALTER B. JONES MEMORIAL AWARD
FOR COASTAL STEWARD OF THE YEAR

Edith Chase, of Kent, Ohio, has won the 2005 Walter B. Jones Memorial Award for Coastal Steward of the Year. Administered by NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the award honors an individual who has exemplified strong, sustained leadership in finding a balance between the human use of the coast and ocean and the needs of that environment. A ceremony to honor Chase and the other winners will take place on March 9, 2005 in Washington, D.C. NOAA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Chase, president and founder of the Ohio Coastal Resource Management Project, a nonprofit citizens’ organization established in 1982, has worked with government leaders to identify coastal resource issues and played a critical role in mobilizing proponents for comprehensive coastal management legislation. Her dedicated efforts have resulted in policy changes, public awareness, and improved stewardship of coastal resources and watersheds of Lake Erie and the Great Lakes.

“From coast to coast, remarkable people are making a difference. These awards honor the coastal and ocean stewards who dedicate countless hours and energy to conserving coastal resources and improving coastal communities,” said retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.

Under the Coastal Zone Management Act, every two years NOAA honors the achievements and accomplishments of those who make noteworthy contributions in the management of the nation’s coast.

The awards were created to honor the late North Carolina Congressman Walter B. Jones. As chairman of the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, Congressman Jones was a strong supporter of the National Marine Fisheries Service and Coastal Zone Management. He provided leadership on numerous legislative initiatives addressing coastal and ocean issues ranging from commercial shipping to oil spill clean-up and prevention to flood insurance reform.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and to providing environmental stewardship of our Nation’s coastal and marine resources.

On the Web:

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov