Maine Audubon to Honor Legislators, State Agency Leaders for Work on Significant Wildlife Habitat

Falmouth, October 4, 2007—At noon on Saturday, October 13, Maine Audubon will present four state leaders with the Distinguished Contribution Award at its annual Apple Day festival.

Maine Audubon has chosen to recognize David Littell, commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Mark Stadler, director of the wildlife division for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and state Reps. Ted Koffman and Bob Duchesne for their leadership in passing legislation that will protect vulnerable wildlife habitats while addressing the needs of landowners.

The Distinguished Contribution Award is given to individuals, businesses or organizations that have supported Maine Audubon’s mission to conserve wildlife and wildlife habitat through significant leadership, financial generosity, or longtime commitment.

In 2006 the Maine Legislature passed a bill to protect important wading bird and waterfowl habitat, shorebird resting and feeding areas, and significant vernal pools. Earlier this year, the Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee considered numerous proposals to repeal part or all of these hard-won “significant wildlife habitat” rules. Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection proposed a compromise bill that addressed the needs of landowners while successfully maintaining core protections for these highly vulnerable habitats.

The leadership of these four men was critical in achieving compromise legislation. Littell heads the Department of Environmental Protection, which drafted some of the changes. Rep. Koffman chairs the Natural Resources Committee, of which Rep. Duchesne is a member. Both Koffman and Duchesne worked hard engaging members of the committee and other key legislators in modifying the proposed legislation to achieve the desired outcome of protecting core habitats while addressing concerns of various constituencies. Stadler and his staff stood firmly behind the core habitat protections and provided key scientific information that enabled Littell, Koffman, and Duchesne to continue to fight for the core protection. All four showed exemplary leadership and fortitude throughout the highly charged debate.

Held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth, Maine Audubon’s 19th annual Apple Day will celebrate autumn with a number of activities for the whole family. The awards presentation will be at noon.

Free and open to the public, Apple Day festivities include cider pressing, craft demonstrations, storytelling, face painting, live music, nature walks, and an apple baked goods contest.

For more information on Apple Day, call (207) 781-2330 ext. 209 or visit www.maineaudubon.org.

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