About >> Environmental Service Awards

Kenneth Pruitt
Conservation Administrator of The Year

Since taking over the administrative duties of the Boxford Conservation Commission in 1998, Ken Pruitt has successfully applied his energy and his expertise to enhancing wetlands protection and open space protection and management in the town.

Among his many achievements, he has spearheaded revisions to the regulations and procedures used to implement the Boxford Wetlands Protection Bylaw, and organized a land management group to advise the Commission on the management of Boxford's conservation lands. Ken has also represented the Commission's interests effectively to other municipal boards, at Town Meeting, and in Superior Court.

Through his participation in regional organizations, including the Office of Coastal Zone Management's (CZM's) North Shore Regional Conservation Commission Network and the SuAsCoShaw Conservation Commission Network; Ken's efficiency and effectiveness have also translated into improved wetlands protection at broader scales and in other communities.

At the unanimous recommendation of the Boxford Conservation Commission, and with the support of the Department of Environmental Protection and the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, MACC is pleased to recognize Ken Pruitt as Conservation Administrator of the Year.

Heidi Davis
Outstanding Public Service

Heidi Davis has distinguished herself as a leader in wetlands and waterways policy development in the Commonwealth. Her work as an analyst at the Department of Environmental Protection has raised the bar for wetlands science and regulations. She is admired by her peers at DEP and her friends in the Massachusetts environmental community as a dedicated professional who maintains a high ethical standard in pursuit of strong environmental protection.

Heidi was instrumental in coordinating the North Shore Regional Conservation Commission network, the most successful example of regional Commission coordination in the Commonwealth. She is the supervisor of DEP's Northeast Region Circuit Rider Program, and the watershed team leader for the Sudbury Assabet Concord Rivers Watershed.
Heidi was one of the original DEP "stream team" members following promulgation of the Rivers Protection Act and was a major contributor to the resolution of the "Mean Annual High Water" and "Jurisdictional Rivers" definitions.

As a teacher, motivator, outstanding wetlands scientist and forceful advocate for the environment, Heidi Davis admirably exemplifies the purposes of MACC's Environmental Service Award.

John Ogonowski
Outstanding Environmental Leadership
(Posthumous)

John Ogonowski was a farmer of hay, pumpkins, blueberries, peaches and corn. He was also a nurturer of land and culture. As a leader in the protection of open space and agricultural land, he helped found the Dracut Land Trust, was a contributor to Dracut's Open Space Committee and served on the Committee for the Passage of the Community Preservation Act. John also frequently assisted the Conservation Commission in its efforts.

When state land preservation money was slashed in the late 1980s, John formed a coalition of legislators, agricultural leaders, and state officials that successfully revitalized the programs. In so doing, he preserved 150-acre White Gate Farm, which he jointly purchased with the town; the land is now under an agricultural preservation restriction. Not only did John protect the farm from development, he worked to improve its soil, productive capacity, and appearance.

John was also a mentor: through the New Entry Sustainable Farmer Project he provided Cambodian immigrants land, expertise and equipment to work their own farm plots. Dracut Land Trust President George Malonis has said: "He loved working the land. You could see it on his face."

We can only imagine that when terrorists overpowered Flight 11 on September 11th, the pilot, John Ogonowski, was as heroic as he was in quietly leading his community in environmental service. MACC is honored to present this award. We extend our sympathy and acknowledgement to his family and the community he served.