2019 Society of Wetland Scientists' President's Service Awards Announced

During the 2019 Society of Wetland Scientists' Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, this week, Jodie Murray Burns of Cattails Environmental, along with John Lowenthal of Cardno, was awarded the 2019 President's Service Award for representing the Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) at the 2019 sole Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Public Hearing in Kansas City, Kansas, this past February and presenting the society's oral comments during the public hearing. The President's Service Award recognizes those members who have made significant contributions by serving the Society and its members. Recipients of this service award have promoted the goals of the society that extended above and beyond their duties as teachers, researchers, and administrators.

The oral statement was developed by the Society of Wetland Scientists' Public Policy & Regulation Section led by John Lowenthal, Section President & Chairman,  working collaboratively with Ms. Burns to effectively represent the SWS' thoughts and views on the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers' 2019 proposed re-definition of Waters of the U.S. The 2019 proposed redefinition of WOTUS eliminates protection for the upper watershed ephemeral reaches of streams and some wetlands currently under federal protection.

Additional members of the SWS Public Policy & Regulation Section are Robert Parker, the section's Secretary General; and Richard Chinn, the section's Treasurer.

Congratulations to Ms. Burns and Mr. Lowenthal for recognition of this volunteer service to the Society and our community!