About >> Environmental Service Awards

DAVID STANDLEY
Outstanding Environmental Leadership

Obviously, David Standley is not one to rest on his laurels. Before he joined the Ipswich Conservation Commission, David had already established a legacy of environmental leadership. As founding Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (then DEQE) in 1975, he was responsible for blending the Commonwealth’s disparate environmental regulatory programs.

Today David is the Chair and very active leader of the Ipswich Commission, working tirelessly to protect the natural resources of his community and the North Shore. He led passage of a $10 million open space bond authorization which has protected over 300 local acres in two years. He has advocated for limits on development in the Great Neck area and a mandatory upland percentage in building lots.

Believing in fair consistent application of the Wetlands Protection Act and the Ipswich Wetlands Bylaw, David does not flinch in making hard decisions. He regularly participates in the Great Marsh Network and the North Shore Conservation Commission Network.

We are fortunate to have David to help protect our quality of life and demonstrate how to be an effective Conservation Commissioner. MACC honors David Standley as an outstanding environmental leader.

THOMAS MAGUIRE
Outstanding Public Service

Through his dedication and expertise, Tom Maguire has provided strength and substance to the Department of Environmental Protection’s Wetlands and Waterways Programs.

He epitomizes the “unsung hero” whose work is silently felt by colleagues, the greater community, and the environment.
Tom is a “technical guru” upon whom others depend for understanding of stormwater management policy, drought and rainfall issues, and all things hydrological. He has served on DEP technical committees on the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Policy, Intermittent/Perennial Regulatory Revisions, and Drought Management.

While Tom may be “unsung”, he is not unknown. DEP staff, Conservation Commissioners, consultants, and others seek his advice. He keeps the lights on at One Winter Street in Boston responding to telephone and e-mail requests. Tom leads workshops, travels the state to review cases, and contributes to publications such as the new Hydrology Handbook.

In these challenging times with cutbacks in agency funding and staff, it is critical to recognize dedicated public servants. MACC honors Tom Maguire for his daily work that makes our lives better and ensures that our environment will be sustained.

JOANNE GIOVINO
Conservation Commissioner of the Year

JoAnne Giovino, in her thirteenth year as a member of the Billerica Conservation Commission, has been a tireless force in pursuit of the public interest. JoAnne contributed significantly to the recent passage of the Billerica Wetlands Bylaw, has worked to improve wetlands protection through development of strong setback policies, and continues to foster integration of Conservation concerns in other land use decisions. The last is underscored by her 15+year tenure as an elected Town Meeting Representative.

JoAnne worked diligently to ensure that a local landfill made it onto the EPA’s SuperFund list. She has also been very active in the preservation of Billerica’s remaining open space, and was a major contributor to the town’s first Open Space and Recreation Plan. Her work with the Conservation Commission and other committed citizens has led to the permanent protection of Bartlett’s Landing (public access to the Concord River), Griggs Farm (one of the last working farms in town) and the Governor Dudley’s Park adjacent to the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

In light of her wide-ranging environmental interests and significant contributions to the citizens of Billerica and beyond, MACC takes great pleasure in recognizing JoAnne Giovino as Conservation Commissioner of the Year.

RICHARD UPJOHN
Long Term Conservation Commitment

Richard Upjohn has spent more time in the service of wetlands protection than most of us would ever dream of.

During his 22 year tenure with the Southborough Conservation Commission, Richard has made it a practice to prepare thoroughly for public hearings, reading submitted materials and conducting site inspections (before the meeting!) on every subject property. His ability to handle controversial issues with tact and diplomacy at the point of discussion is widely recognized and well respected.

In addition to his active and effective public participation, Richard is a committed journalist, maintaining a valuable written record of Commission discussions, abutter concerns, developer commitments, and so on, over a 20+ year period. A professional educator, he works with Eagle Scouts and other youthful conservationists to develop service projects that provide not only benefit to the town but a genuinely educational experience to the students.

Richard drafted and was instrumental in passing the Southborough Wetlands Protection Bylaw and, in his spare time, drafted the first set of Bylaw Regulations. In honor of his commitment, his diligence, and his effectiveness, MACC is pleased to honor Mr. Richard Upjohn with our Environmental Service Award.