PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) congratulates three outstanding Rhode Islanders who were honored on Tuesday, April 22 in Boston's Faneuil Hall at the Environmental Protection Agency's annual Environmental Merit Awards for 2014. Prominent among the New Englanders recognized this Earth Day, were award winners Jane Austin, Kristen Swanberg, and John Howell.
At yesterday's 2014 Environmental Merit Awards ceremony, EPA recognized one organization, one individual from Rhode Island, and one governmental entity. The Rhode Island awardees were among 26 recipients across New England honored for contributing to improving New England's environment.
According to EPA, the merit awards, recognizing significant contributions to environmental awareness and problem solving, are a unique way that EPA recognizes individuals and groups that are making significant impacts on environmental quality in distinct ways. Given out by EPA since 1970, these awards honor individuals and groups who have shown particular ingenuity and commitment in their efforts to preserve the region's environment.
DEM Director Janet Coit nominated all three Rhode Island winners. "Rhode Island has a terrific track record when it comes to environmental leaders, and these three belong in our Hall of Fame," said Coit.
The Environmental Merit Award Winners for 2014 from Rhode Island are:
Lifetime Achievement: Jane Austin
According to DEM Director Janet Coit, "Jane Austin is a courageous and smart advocate who has changed Rhode Island for the better. Because of Jane's leadership, we have a reinvigorated Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, and a law requiring the phase out of cesspools that threaten our water quality. I have never seen Jane shy away from a difficult issue. On the contrary, she is always there – with her facts and her compelling case – educating and influencing others to take action."
Jane Austin has dedicated 10 years to improving the health of Narragansett Bay, and the sustainability of its community. At Save the Bay she worked with the community, elected officials and other environmental organizations to push forward successful efforts on Climate Adaptation, wastewater management, public access and integrated environmental planning.
Jane Austin has dedicated ten years to improving the health of Narragansett Bay, and the sustainability of its community. At Save the Bay she worked with the community, elected officials and other environmental organizations to push forward successful efforts on Climate Adaptation, wastewater management, public access and integrated environmental planning.
Jane was instrumental in creating the Coalition for Water Security and the Coalition for Transportation Choices. She exhibited exceptional leadership at the Environment Council of Rhode Island and the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program's executive committee. She championed legislation to phase out cesspools in Rhode Island, while serving on a task force that is currently addressing chronic wastewater management problems in the City of Warwick. She coordinated a broad, diverse coalition of groups to win statewide voter approval of the purchase of Rocky Point and other iconic shoreline access lands in Rhode Island. Coastal impacts from Climate Change have driven a lot of her efforts. She has been known to urge officials to resist building hardened structures because they can exacerbate erosion and deflect problems elsewhere along the shore. More importantly, she called on officials to develop a comprehensive strategy for dealing with rising sea levels and erosion instead of reacting in piecemeal fashion when pressing issues arise. That approach began soon after, when officials began working on what has come to be called the Beach SAMP (Special Area Management Plan).
Austin took on the issues with passion, perseverance and integrity, insisting that her colleagues at Save The Bay and in government tackle issues in a holistic and responsible manner. She was tenaciously insisted that environmental agencies to do their jobs and play by the rules, and focus on the long-term consequences of policies and decisions. Jane Austin is a great champion for the environment.
Enviro/Community/Academia/Nonprofit: Rhode Island Environmental Education Association (RIEEA)
Director Janet Coit stated, "I have seen firsthand Kristen Swanberg's ability to connect children with nature and adults with materials to shapes minds. Together with her colleagues on the Rhode Island Environmental Education Association, Kristen has created opportunities for growth and learning that will change minds and set children on new career paths. Kristen's magic is that she works at an individual and a systems level, always moving strategically forward an agenda that has made Rhode Island a leader in having environmental education in our curriculum. Kristen's sustained leadership has put Rhode Island in the forefront of environmental education, and even better, has gotten kids out of the classroom and into nature. She and her colleagues at RIEEA deserve recognition. They are truly developing the smart environmental leaders we will count on in the future."
Rhode Island Environmental Education Association is a terrific resource to Rhode Island students, schools, and educators. They work collaboratively to promote environmental education and public awareness of environmental issues throughout the Ocean State.
Kristen Swanberg and her team have been working for years to provide a forum for members to discuss and make recommendations regarding the environmental education needs of the state and to create an environmentally literate citizenry through the Rhode Island Environmental Literacy Plan. RIEEA promotes high quality environmental education throughout the state in order to increase the environmental literacy of all children and adults. Recently the RI Department of Education, in cooperation with RIEEA, is using the green schools construction/renovation initiative to incorporate environmental education into schools' lesson plans. Schools work with authorized providers to weave environmental education and sustainability issues into their curriculum while meeting learning standards. Students will learn about the green and sustainable features of their schools. This integration is in alignment with the Environmental Literacy Plan. RIEEA is a front-runner in helping to prepare environmentally literate citizens to work, participate and lead in the 21st century.
Governmental: Rocky Point Foundation: John Howell
"John Howell is a vigorous and creative advocate who has helped to create a public park at one of our premier coastal areas, Rocky Point in Warwick. His vision, fortitude and enthusiasm have been critical to the success of the City and State efforts to safeguard that property for the enjoyment of the public," said DEM Director Janet Coit.. "I can't say enough about John's contributions and how he has attracted others and skillfully driven this process forward. His spirit never lagged, and his energy continues to propel us forward. John's public service sets an example for others to follow. He is truly a winner."
The Rocky Point Foundation has successfully worked with the State of Rhode Island to save 82 acres of land at Rocky Point as public open space. Since it was first used for nature outings in 1847, Rocky Point has been Rhode Island's working-class shoreline. It became a summer resort often compared to Coney Island. When the amusement park closed in 1995, however, Rocky Point and its scenic shoreline was closed to public access. It has remained inaccessible until 2013, when the State acquired 82 acres from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Rocky Point Foundation was instrumental in making sure the public voice was a prominent factor in acquiring the land. The Foundation worked diligently to garner public and political support to place a $10M referendum on the ballot which provided the funds for the acquisition. This referendum was approved by 65% of voters.
The Rocky Point Foundation has successfully collaborated to make Rocky Point the closest state park for anyone in or around Providence who wants to reach swimmable bay waters. There is an incredible demand in Rhode Island's urban center for shoreline recreation on clean water that is accessible.
There is still a lot of work to be done to clean up the land and put it to good use, which is the next phase in the collaborative efforts. The Foundation has hosted a charrette in 2013, attended by over 400 Rhode Islanders, at which ideas were exchanged and information gathered about the future of this iconic property. Currently, the Foundation is working with the Rhode Island School of Design, Landscape Architecture Department, bringing experts in the field of park design and development to our State in an effort to apply this expertise to the park's future development through a Lecture Series Forum.