ERIE METROPARKS RECEIVES THE 2005 WALTER B. JONES MEMORIAL AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Erie MetroParks has won the 2005 Walter B. Jones Memorial Award for Excellence in Local Government. Administered by NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the award is given to local governments that have inspired positive change in the field of coastal management. A ceremony to honor the local organization 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.

Created in 1968, Erie MetroParks is a special district of the state of Ohio. Under state law, it is charged with conservation of natural resources, environmental education and outdoor recreation in Erie County, Ohio. MetroParks manages over 3,000 acres of mostly natural open spaces, placing great emphasis on the development and use of strategic partnerships with other units of government, nonprofit organizations, businesses and individuals to further its public service mission.

“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.

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