Nature Conservancy Recognizes Sen. Martha Fuller Clark and N.H. Estuaries Project for Conservation Efforts

Sept. 5, 2008 -- To recognize significant contributions in conserving New Hampshire’s remarkable ecosystems, The Nature Conservancy has honored Sen. Martha Fuller Clark and the New Hampshire Estuaries Project with awards.

At its recent annual meeting in Keene, the Conservancy's New Hampshire chapter also recognized two volunteers for their commitment to the Conservancy’s work in the Granite State. This is the New Hampshire chapter’s second year of an annual awards program to honor conservation leaders, partners and volunteers.

NH State Director Daryly Burtnett and Martha Fuller Clark The Conservancy honored Senator Martha Fuller Clark of Portsmouth with the chapter’s Conservation Leadership Award. The award is given to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in advancing the Conservancy’s mission in New Hampshire and beyond.

“Martha has been a champion, prime sponsor, and leader for priority legislative initiatives to which The Nature Conservancy is deeply committed,” said Daryl Burtnett, state director of the New Hampshire chapter. “Sen. Fuller Clark has given her unwavering support for the N.H. Land and Community Heritage Investment Program and has put herself on the line to ensure that the program receives not only robust funding, but a dedicated source of funding.”

Sen. Fuller Clark was also the prime sponsor of New Hampshire legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gases through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and worked creatively with her colleagues in the Senate to gain support. Over her years as a state representative and senator, Fuller Clark has shown an unparalleled consistency in her support for conservation in New Hampshire, is well-prepared in making the case to support conservation bills, and is reliably present at meetings convened by the conservation community on key initiatives.

NHEP's Jennifer Hunter and Daryl Burtnett The Conservancy gave its Conservation Partner Award to the New Hampshire Estuaries Project, which is a joint local/state/federal program established under the Clean Water Act. "The N.H. Estuaries Project’s priorities mirror those of The Nature Conservancy, including water quality improvements, restoring habitat and shellfish resources, and land protection," said Daryl Burtnett, the Conservancy's state director. "And in an area of the state that's rich with strong partnerships, the N.H. Estuaries Project is one of our most effective partners."

Finally, the Conservancy recognized the work of two dedicated volunteers: Jeff Fellows of Manchester and Bill Marshall of New Castle. Jeff Fellows has been volunteering for the Conservancy for three years, and has been a tremendous help at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve. Bill Marshall has been an active volunteer for the Conservancy for many years, helping to monitor conservation easements in the seacoast area. Marshall is passionate about preserving the character and biodiversity of the seacoast, and an excellent volunteer who deserves recognition due to his length of service to TNC. With his wife, Nancy, Bill has also generously added The Nature Conservancy to their will.