Bay Guardians to be Honored, A.D. Makepeace CEO to speak at Coalition Annual Meeting, March 22

March 16 , 2007

CONTACT:

Mark Rasmussen, Executive Director

The Coalition for Buzzards Bay

(508) 999-6363, ext. 201

NEW BEDFORD, MA—The public is invited to attend the 19th Annual Meeting of The Coalition for Buzzards Bay, Thursday, March 22 at 7:00 PM at Tabor Academy's Lillard Hall, 215 Front Street, Marion. The event will highlight the organization's accomplishments over the past year, including the passage of a permanent dredge spoil disposal ban in Buzzards Bay and the protection of nearly 700 acres of watershed lands, as well as the challenges that lie ahead such as the continued decline of the Bay water quality from the increasing levels of nitrogen pollution.

The meeting will also include presentation of Buzzards Bay Guardian Awards to:

• Members of the New Bedford Harbor Trustees Council (Michael Bartlett, Chris Mantzaris, and Dale Young) for providing more than $4.5 million toward the permanent preservation of 440 acres of land on New Bedford Harbor and the Acushnet River.
  
  
• UMass Dartmouth Professor Dr. Brian Howes for his more than 30 years of research and advocacy related to the management of coastal ecosystems on Buzzards Bay and in particular for his work on reducing nitrogen pollution; and to
  
  
• David Croll of Marion for his critical advocacy that led to a permanent dredge spoil disposal ban in Buzzards Bay in 2006 and his major support of watershed and conservation.
  
  

Coalition Executive Director Mark Rasmussen described the significance of the awards by commenting, "The Buzzards Bay Guardian Award is the highest honor granted by The Coalition for Buzzards Bay. Buzzards Bay Guardians must have demonstrated outstanding service in the clean-up, restoration or protection of the Bay. Their work may be as a citizen volunteer, as an organization, or as a public official or employee. This work may involve education, advocacy, community activism, or indeed any activity that furthers the health of the Bay. Most importantly, a Buzzards Bay Guardian is an unsung hero or heroine who deserves public recognition, not only for what they have achieved but to inspire others to make a difference."

Michael P. Hogan, President and CEO of the Wareham-based A.D. Makepeace Company, the nation's largest cranberry grower and the Buzzards Bay watershed's largest landowner, will present the evening's keynote address. Hogan will discuss the company's new smart growth development plans.

Hogan has been president of the A.D. Makepeace Company since January 2004. He previously served for eight years as president of MassDevelopment. In that role, he served as a Cabinet Officer for two Governors. Under Mr. Hogan's leadership, the new agency developed financing and real estate solutions that help companies to compete in the global economy. Prior to his work in statewide economic development, Mr. Hogan served as mayor in the city of Marlborough for four years, and six as a city councilor. He is a past president of the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

Coffee and dessert will follow the meeting.

Click :: here :: for more information and directions or call The Coalition for Buzzards Bay at 508-999-6363.

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The Coalition for Buzzards Bay is a private, non-profit membership organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of Buzzards Bay and its watershed. The organization works to improve the health of the Bay ecosystem for all through education, conservation, research and advocacy and is supported by more than 4,700 members.

Photo courtesy of Dr. William Capman, Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN