Two local citizens are among a distinguished group of individuals and organizations chosen to receive the Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) 2004 Environmental Hero Award. The award honors NOAA volunteers for their “tireless efforts to preserve and protect our nation's environment.”

Pauline Dyer, a recognized leader in the land and marine conservation movement in Washington State for over a half a century, will receive the NOAA 2004 Environmental Hero Award for her years of support of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS). She is a founding member and current president of the Friends of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, an organization formed in 2003 to increase public appreciation and guardianship of OCNMS through public education and outreach, engaging citizens in stewardship and volunteer programs, and promoting conservation initiatives. Pauline was also instrumental in creation of OCNMS in 1994.

Ian Miller, field coordinator for the Olympic Peninsula chapter of Surfrider Foundation, will receive the NOAA 2004 Environmental Hero Award for his diligent work to connect people with the ocean and to promote respect for and stewardship of the Olympic Coast. Ian has volunteered countless hours on several OCNMS monitoring projects and is currently establishing a water quality monitoring program using citizen volunteers that includes six beaches that are within OCNMS and Olympic National Park (ONP).

“NOAA and the nation are fortunate to have such dedicated people volunteer so much of their time,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “They set a fine example for others to follow in their communities. America needs more environmental heroes like them.”

Pauline Dyer and Ian Miller will be recognized during Olympic Coast Cleanup Day, April 24.

Established in 1995 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Earth Day, the Environmental Hero award is presented to individuals and organizations that volunteer their time and energy to help NOAA carry out its mission. Held in conjunction with Earth Day celebrations, the award honors NOAA volunteers for their “tireless efforts to preserve and protect our nation's environment.”

There are a total of 33 winners—30 individuals and three organizations. Visit the NOAA Earth Day Web site at http://www.noaa.gov/earthday to read more about this year’s award winners.

“On behalf of the 12,500 men and women working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, I am pleased to present you with this 2004 Environmental Hero Award,” Lautenbacher wrote in a letter to the recipients. “Your dedicated efforts and outstanding accomplishments greatly benefit the environment and make our nation a better place for all Americans.”

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation’s coastal and marine resources.

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