June 2, 2011

The Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Historical Commission today announced that the 2011 Governor John B. Swainson Award will be presented to three recipients in the Capitol Rotunda at an 11 a.m. ceremony on Thursday, June 9. This year's winners hail from the City of Plainwell, Port of Monroe and Charlevoix County.

Given by the Michigan Historical Commission to state, county or municipal employees who have gone above and beyond their official job duties to help preserve Michigan's history, the prestigious Swainson Award originated in 1996 to honor the Governor, legislator and Supreme Court justice who headed the commission for many years.

"Our historic resources are among Michigan's greatest treasures, and the Swainson Award helps us pay tribute to those who serve as stewards of our state's rich heritage," said Commission President Edward Surovell. "This year's winners have earned the honor with their passion for keeping history alive in their communities."

Erik J. Wilson, City of Plainwell - Redevelopment of Abandoned Paper Mill, Plainwell

Erik J. Wilson, city manager of Plainwell, recognized the potential of the abandoned Plainwell Paper Mill and initiated the purchase of the 36-acre property, a known Superfund site near the Kalamazoo River. He engaged the community in producing a vision for the redevelopment, using their ideas to develop a concept plan for the site. Under his leadership, the City of Plainwell nominated the mill to the National Register of Historic Places, secured millions in grant funds to rehabilitate buildings on the site with adaptive re-use potential, and has commissioned the making of a documentary about the mill. Federal and state agencies consider the city's plan for redevelopment a template for all mill projects. The city's redevelopment partner not only invested money into the development, but also relocated its national construction headquarters to the site, bringing more than 30 jobs to Plainwell.

Thomas P. Russow, Port of Monroe - Restoration of the River Raisin Battlefield, Port of Monroe

Thomas P. Russow led the effort to reclaim for history the River Raisin Battlefield, the site of a battle during the War of 1812. In the 19th century, several paper mills were constructed on the battlefield site. The mills were eventually abandoned, leaving behind contamination and rendering the site virtually lost to history. Russow secured funds and worked with local preservationists, respected historians and dedicated enthusiasts to rehabilitate the site, closely following the Secretary of the Interior's standards. In 2010, the battlefield was declared a national park, now known as the River Raisin National Battlefield Park.

George Lasater, Charlevoix County - Research and Preservation of History of Charlevoix County's Contribution to World War II

George Lasater, a Charlevoix County Sheriff, performed extensive research into the history of Charlevoix County's contribution to World War II and compiled his findings in a two-volume book. He detailed the personal and military history of nearly 1,800 veterans, as well as the contributions made by the civilians, organizations and industry of Charlevoix County. The book includes recollections of wartime experiences of veterans, photos, mementos, telegrams, news clippings, medals, letters, memorials and grave markers. Lasater has declined any of the proceeds from the book and has donated all of the profits to World War II veterans and their projects. He continues to contribute to the preservation of history with his work on another project that will detail Charlevoix County's contributions to the World War I effort.

The Michigan Historical Commission advises the Department of Natural Resources on Michigan history and the work of the Michigan Historical Center.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.