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| About >> Environmental Service Awards |
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| Roy A. Cramer
Conservation Commissioner of the Year A member of the Needham Conservation Commission since 1982, and chairman since 1983, Roy is about to complete almost a quarter-century of distinguished service in environmental protection. His enthusiasm, energy, and political savvy have resulted in many achievements. Roy wrote the town’s wetlands protection bylaw, and spearheaded the campaign for its passage. He has also been an outstanding leader in open space protection, negotiating purchases of and conservation restrictions on many parcels. One, a critical 37-acre piece, had been sold for large-scale development. He has successfully argued for an override of Proposition 2 1/2 to acquire land, and for adoption of the Community Preservation Act. Paula Terrasi Outstanding Achievements in the Protection of Nature Paula is a citizen activist who has devoted her life to land protection, environmental advocacy, and natural history education. She has contributed enormously of her time, talents, and friendly persuasion to numerous projects, often behind-the-scenes, and always in collaboration with others. Her most recent project - protection of historic Pepperell Springs, a pristine stream running through a steep-sided gorge - was completed last May. The 265 acres of forest and wetlands that contain the springs complete the linkage of over 3,000 acres of protected land spanning two states. Paula was unflaggingly engaged in every aspect of this complex, collaborative effort and instrumental in its success. Rae Mercer Outstanding Achievements in Community Preservation A member of the Plainville Conservation Commission from 1988 to 2003, Rae stepped down from official responsibilities due to her ambulatory difficulties, but remains actively involved. Now an “Honorary Member” of the Commission, she also serves on the Community Preservation Committee, the Bylaw Review Committee, and as a trustee of the Natural Resources Trust of Plainville. Rae is especially keen on protecting and restoring the Ten Mile River and reclaiming Fuller’s Pond. Her persistence and limitless energy as a member of the Ten Mile River Watershed Team have spurred the interest of the entire community, and assure a successful outcome.
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Awards:
2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 Leslie A. Duthie Outstanding Achievements in Open Space Advocacy A horticulturist specializing in the propagation and conservation of native flora, Leslie serves on the Monson Conservation Commission and with the New England Plant Conservation Program. Besides providing valuable assistance to the Commission in wetland plant identification and interpretation of complex regulations, she is a tireless advocate for open space protection. A key contributor to the town’s Open Space Plan, Leslie has a long track record of bringing people together to achieve important preservation goals. She has been instrumental in the town’s efforts to acquire sensitive sites, in engaging Monson students in conservation projects, and in educating local landowners in land protection techniques. Gregory E. Meister Conservation Administrator of the Year Celebrating 16 years of service to the Sharon Conservation Commission, Greg is prized for significant achievements - a wetlands bylaw, revisions, and regulations; a town development review policy, and a management policy for Lake Massapoag, one of the state’s cleanest lakes. Most significantly, his tenure has resulted in the town’s acquiring conservation ownership of over 925 acres, with another 620 acres protected through conservation restrictions. Greg’s latest achievement is the saving of 92% of Rattlesnake Hill, the highest point between Cape Cod and Blue Hill, and the largest remaining expanse of almost unbroken natural landscape in the Neponset River watershed. Lacking state funding, the Commission had to sacrifice part of the hill, but came away with a significant victory. |
