ANNAPOLIS RESIDENT TO RECEIVE NOAA ENVIRONMENTAL HERO AWARD
IN HONOR OF CORDELL BANK SUPPORT

Jamie Hall is among a distinguished group of individuals chosen to receive the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2004 Environmental Hero Award. The award honors NOAA volunteers for their “tireless efforts to preserve and protect our nation's environment.” NOAA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Jamie Hall of Annapolis, a master craftsman, artist and potter, will receive the NOAA 2004 Environmental Hero Award for his years of support of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. He has volunteered countless hours on several sanctuary research projects, including ecosystem studies and offshore monitoring. Jamie has contributed photography and video documentation to the sanctuary’s outreach programs, and serves as a community contact with southern Mendocino County.

“NOAA and the nation are fortunate to have such dedicated people volunteer so much of their time,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “They set a fine example for others to follow in their communities. America needs more environmental heroes like them.”

Jamie Hall will be presented the NOAA honor, which was announced on Earth Day, April 22, during the sanctuary’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Event, held with Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, at Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco June 11.

Established in 1995 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Earth Day, the Environmental Hero award is presented to individuals and organizations that volunteer their time and energy to help NOAA carry out its mission. Held in conjunction with Earth Day celebrations, the award honors NOAA volunteers for their “tireless efforts to preserve and protect our nation's environment.”

There are a total of 33 winners—30 individuals and three organizations. Visit the NOAA Earth Day Web site: http://www.noaa.gov/earthday to read more about this year’s award winners.

“On behalf of the 12,500 men and women working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, I am pleased to present you with this 2004 Environmental Hero Award,” Lautenbacher wrote in a letter to the recipients. “Your dedicated efforts and outstanding accomplishments greatly benefit the environment and make our nation a better place for all Americans.”

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

On the Web:

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov