SCWF Honors Senator John Courson and Lindsay Pettus as Top Conservationists

COLUMBIA, SC – Senator John Courson of Columbia was named the Conservationist of the Year at the South Carolina Wildlife Federation’s 45th Annual Awards Banquet on January 23.  Lindsay Pettus of Lancaster received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Formed in 1931, the South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) is a membership organization promoting habitat conservation and respect for outdoor traditions through statewide leadership, education, advocacy and partnerships.

Senator John Courson was elected to the South Carolina Senate in 1985, where he currently chairs the Education Committee and is a member of the Medical Affairs and the Finance Committees.  An early proponent of the Conservation Bank, Senator Courson is a trusted ally of Conservationists.

Senator Courson is a co-sponsor of legislation to reform the Department of Health and Environmental Control.  Several years ago, he established the tradition of hosting “Conversations with Conservationists” for state senators to hear firsthand about conservation priorities at the beginning of each session.   As a strong proponent for fish and game conservation, he recently supported the Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish.

On the national scene, Senator Courson has encouraged Congress to address energy and climate on the basis of national security concerns and energy independence.

In the 45-year history of the Conservation awards, this was only the third time a state legislator was named Conservationist of the Year.

“From his first day in the General Assembly, Senator Courson has consistently been on the side of conservation and protection of our state’s beautiful natural resources,” said Ben Gregg, Executive director of SCWF.  “As a lifelong conservative, he understands that conservation is a conservative principle, and John has never wavered in this belief.  We also appreciate his ability to work across partisan lines.  We are proud to call the Senator an ally and proud to recognize his good works with this award,” continued Gregg.

Former governor Jim Hodges presented Senator Courson the award.

Lindsay Pettus is well known for his strong interest and proactive approach to land conservation.  Founder and president of the Katawba Valley Land Trust (KVLT), Pettus has undertaken projects of the highest conservation significance.  The KVLT began in 1992, protecting two acres of land for scenic view on the Catawba River.  Today, the land trust has undertaken 53 land transactions protecting over 7, 550 acres in five South Carolina counties.  Other examples of Pettus’ service include: The Heritage Tract, an area of over 1,900 acres along the Catawba River; the Landsford Canal State Park tracts, an area of over 1,000 acres adjoining the park of the west side of the Catawba; and The Lancaster Greenway Preserve.  Pettus is a recognized conservation leader at the state and national level.  The SCWF proudly acknowledges his decades of service towards land conservation with the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Lindsay is a legendary conservationist, and every day I am learning something new about his lifelong accomplishments in this field,” said KVLT director Austin Jenkins, adding that  “I am fortunate to be in his midst, and we all have tremendous work to do in the future if we are to model the conservation successes he has had in his lifetime.  If we all can do as Linday has done, we will have much to celebrate in the future.”

Others recognized include:

•  Duke Energy Lee Steam Station of Pelzer, SC – The Industry Award
• 7 day DHEC Series by State Newspaper reporters Sammy Fretwell and John Monk, Columbia, SC - The Communication Award
• Friends of the Congaree Swamp of Columbia, SC - The Land Conservation Award
• Joanna Weitzel Executive Director of Carolina Wildlife Cares of Columbia, SC - The Outdoor Ethics Award
• Environmental Education Association of SC of Lexington, SC - The Education Award
• Friends of Lake Keowee Society of Seneca, SC - The Organization Award
• Honda of South Carolina Mfg., Inc. of Timmonsville, SC -The Wildlife and Industry Together (W.A.I.T.) Award
• R. Joseph Hamilton of Walterboro, SC - The Wildlife Award
• Janie Marlow of Travelers Rest, SC -The Harry Hampton Woods and Waters Conservation Memorial Journalism Award
• Kay Acker of Greenville, SC - The Bootsie Manning Memorial Wildlife Habitat Award
• Dr. Bob Van Dolah of Charleston, SC - The Water Conservation Award
• Lexington County - Outdoor Burn Ordinance and Stormwater Division and Stormwater Manager of Lexington, SC -The Government Award
• Benjamin Toscano, student at The University of South Carolina -  awarded SCWF Scholarship
• Emily Ann Purcell, student at Clemson University - awarded SCWF Scholarship

*Further information on each of the award winners can be found HERE - Award Program*

South Carolina Wildlife Federation is a trusted voice in conservation, serving as an umbrella organization representing various outdoor interests.  Drawing strength from a committed membership of over 4,000 members, SCWF conducts educational and public awareness programs as well as forming unique partnerships to sustain, protect and enhance the natural systems which give life to us all.  For more information, visit www.scwf.org or call 803-256-0670.

…PROMOTING WILDLIFE HABITAT ENHANCEMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION…
215 Pickens Street ● Columbia, SC ● 803-256-0670 ● FAX 803-256-0690 ● www.scwf.org