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EPA Administrator Recognizes New Hampshire Leaders With President’s Volunteer Service Award

Release Date: 04/24/2008
Contact Information: Nancy Grantham – (617) 918-1101

(Boston, Mass – April 24, 2008) EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson honored New Hampshire leaders who volunteer to protect their state’s rivers on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, at historic Faneuil Hall in Boston.

The New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program is made up of Local Advisory Committees whose members contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year to protect 14 designated rivers in the state. The program is celebrating its 20th anniversary and this prestigious award truly honors all of the past and present volunteers.

Attending the ceremony were the following Local Advisory Committee representatives: Michelle Hamm, Adair Mulligan, Camilla Lockwood, George May, Charlie Ryan, Michele Tremblay, Chip Boisvert, and Elizabeth Evans.

“Today we honor these New Hampshire leaders for answering President Bush's call to serve a cause greater than themselves,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Dedicated volunteers like these are inspiring others to join them in delivering America a brighter, healthier future."

During his travels across the country, Administrator Johnson meets with individuals like New Hampshire’s leaders who are answering the call to volunteer service, environmental education and pollution prevention. Next week, April 27 – May 3 is National Volunteer Week.

The volunteers spend countless hours at meetings, performing site walks, conducting water quality monitoring and hosting river festivals. These rivers
they are protecting cover over 800 river miles and include more than 50 percent of New Hampshire’s communities.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Go to www.volunteer.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit www.volunteerkids.gov for games and ideas to see how America's youth are making a difference.

The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.