H.P. Sandy Purdon Tapped For First Environmental Leadership Award

In an effort to recognize the hard work and dedication of individuals, volunteer groups and government agencies who help keep our waterways clean, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has awarded its first Environmental Leadership Award to H.P. Sandy Purdon, founder of the "Clean Marinas California Program."

Purdon was presented with the award at a California Boating and Waterways Commission meeting held in Dana Point, Calif. The BoatUS honor included a $1,000 award to help continue his efforts.

Purdon began work on the Clean Marinas California program in late 2003 when Golden State marinas were facing increasing regulatory and permitting requirements. Purdon worked with 40 boat clubs and marinas in the San Diego area — borrowing the best components from other state Clean Marina programs — to create a voluntary alternative to the proposed regulations.

"What makes California's program unique is that it is not run by the government. Instead, it is industry led," said Susan Shingledecker, director of environmental programs for the BoatUS Foundation.

 "California's program is currently one of the fastest-growing programs in the country, and in just three years, it has certified over 50 marinas," she added. For more information on the Clean Marinas California program, visit http://www.CleanMarinasCalifornia.org

In addition, the BoatUS Foundation recognized the achievements of several other nominees by honoring them with Environmental Leadership Commendations.

• Jim Brown and the Lake County Airboat Association, Lake County, Fla.:  Together they introduced thousands of children to safe boating and environmental stewardship through river and wetland clean-up events.
• Michael Danko, New Jersey Sea Grant:  Worked closely with industry and government on a variety of issues related to clean boating including the NJ Clean Marinas program, federal Clean Vessel Act and created a shrink wrap recycling program.
• Friends of the Rappahonock, Virginia:  Developed a program in partnership with local marinas and businesses to promote the use of holding tanks and pump out stations.
• Grand Lake Sail and Power Squadron, Okla:  Educated boaters about the environment through the development of a brochure, organizing community-wide clean ups and conducting shoreline habitat restoration projects.
• Will Keene, Edson Corp., Mass.:  Advocated for clean waterways, specifically focusing on the proper discharge and disposal of on-board wastes through convenient pump out stations.
• Dewayne Hollin, Texas Sea Grant:  Created the Texas Clean Marinas and Clean Boater programs. Helped found the Sea Grant National Marina Network and conducted workshops on environmental education and best practices.
• Donna Morrow, Maryland Department of Natural Resources:  Coordinated the Maryland Clean Marina Program and created a Clean Boating lesson plan for schools and was instrumental in the certification of all the state-owned facilities.
• OCSC (Olympic Circle Sailing Club) Sailing - Berkeley Calif.:  Founded on the Berkeley Garbage dump, they incorporated environmentally sound practices and conservation into all aspects of their sailing programs.
• Gregory Reynolds, Palm Beach County, Fla.:  Removed boating hazards and marine debris from Lake Worth Lagoon including organizing clean-ups and educating the public.
• Doug Truston, Wormley Creek Marina, Va.: Ensured that his marinas were leaders in environmental practices and installed the first wash-water recycling system in VA and voluntarily coordinated emergency response training with a neighboring oil refinery.