May 20, 2004

Peg Bostwick, 404 Program Coordinator, for the Department of Environmental Quality, has won the 2004 National Wetlands Award for State, Tribal, and Local Program Development. Ms. Bostwick will be honored on May 20, 2004, at a ceremony in the Senate Caucus Room in Washington, DC.

Ms. Bostwick was nominated for this award by DEQ Director Steven E. Chester for more than 15 years of service in shaping Michigan’s wetland policies and programs. She has been a leader in the development and administration of Michigan’s comprehensive wetland program and has positively influenced wetland policy at the local, regional, state, and national levels. Ms. Bostwick’s responsibilities include ensuring that Michigan’s program is compatible with federal policy and law; and integrating research, science, and technology into Michigan’s wetland regulation and protection.

“I am extremely pleased and very proud that Peg has won this award,” said Director Chester. “Peg’s passion for our wetlands resources is unsurpassed. She has had – and continues to have – a significant role in the development of Michigan’s wetlands protection program and in shaping wetlands policy. Her knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm put her at the head of the class, not only in Michigan but nationally as well.”

Ms. Bostwick is one of six wetlands educators, scientists, and conservationists that have been selected as recipients of the 2004 National Wetlands Awards for exemplary contributions in conserving or restoring the Nation's wetlands. The National Awards program honors exceptional individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary effort, innovation, and excellence in wetland conservation, research, or education through programs or projects at a regional, state, or local level. It is co-sponsored by the Environmental Law Institute, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, NOAA Fisheries, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised May 20, 2004 by Pat Watson