About>> Environmental Service Awards

Ann L. Weston
Conservation Commissioner of the Year

Ann Weston began her Conservation Commission career while she was still in high school, as clerk of the Oxford Conservation Commission. Three years later she became a member of the Commission; and three years after that, she became its chair. When she moved to Auburn, she became a member of that Commission and, once again, was named chair. In both roles, in both towns, she has shown remarkable knowledge of wetlands regulations as well as attention to the details of running the Commission. Her dealings with the public have been fair and consistent with the law. Considerate and well informed, Ann Weston treats those appearing before the Commission with dignity, respect and equality. As of this year, Ann Weston will have a total of 25 years of Conservation Commission work. The robust nominations she received from the two towns she served are testimony to her outstanding service, and have earned her this award.

Edward F. Lawson
Outstanding Environmental Leadership

In his career as an attorney, Ned Lawson has focused on natural resource protection. A former Maryland Assistant Attorney General, he also served as Regional Solicitor for the Northeast Region of the U.S. Department of the Interior, and was with the Boston law firm of Weston, Patrick, Willard and Redding from 1986 until 1998. A Dedham Conservation Commissioner for many years, Ned also served on the MACC Board of Directors from 1989 through 1995. He was a major voice in Government and Legal Affairs, co-authoring successful anti-SLAPP legislation to discourage frivolous lawsuits designed to intimidate municipal officials and other citizens. Ned has taught numerous workshops at Annual Meeting, served as MACC Treasurer, with the Finance and Development Committee, and is currently a member of the Nominating Committee. He recently gave up his practice in environmental law to become Executive Director of the new Duxbury Bay Maritime School.

Senator Robert Wetmore
Legislative Advocacy

Former State Senator Robert Wetmore has assembled an impressive record of accomplishments and excellence on behalf of the environment during his thirty-two years as a state legislator. He is widely recognized as an innovator within the area of agricultural protection. Another major achievement was the successful development and sponsorship of legislation which ultimately became Article 97 of the State Constitution. Article 97 also known as the "Environmental Bill of Rights," protects the rights of the citizens of the Commonwealth to clean air and water and to conserve, develop, and utilize the state's natural resources. Mr. Wetmore's commitment to this and other conservation-related issues prove his dedication to the state's natural resources.

Dorothea Wyman Thomas
Conservation Administrator of the Year

Dorothea Wyman Thomas has served as Weston Conservation Administrator and also as a Conservation Commission member. Her deep concern for the environment, thorough understanding of the wetland regulations and permit process, and dedication to public service in those positions have made her an invaluable resource to the Town of Weston. She works proactively with applicants, whether they are homeowners, developers or agencies. Her limitless reserve of good will and energy help ensure a smooth permitting process and better wetlands protection. Dorothea also been a valuable "teacher" to new Commissioners and the public at large. In summary, Dorothea Thomas doesn't just do her job well, she goes the extra mile--or two--to do the best possible job for the Commission and the environment.

Friends of Mittineague Park
Dietrich Schlobohm and Andrew G. Milroy
Local Environmental Advocacy

This year, the Friends of Mittineague Park in West Springfield saved the park from a plan that would have converted much of it into a golf course. Leading the campaign were Dietrich Schlobohm and Andrew Milroy. They organized a group of citizen activists to oppose the golf course and promote the park's value for passive recreation. Today, Mittineague Park's forests, wetlands, vernal pools, and other natural resources are intact. Now, the Friends are working with and helping local officials revive public appreciation for the park. Although each "Friend" of Mittineague Park was a hero in this story, the tireless volunteerism of the two leaders merits MACC's recognition as a model for others to emulate.