Patuxent River Commissioner and Riverkeeper Receives 2007 Bernie Fowler Award

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Patuxent River Commissioner and Riverkeeper, Fred Tutman, was honored with the prestigious 2007 Bernie Fowler Award at Maryland’s 12th Annual Tributary Team meeting on February 9. The so-called “White Sneaker Award” is named for Senator Fowler, who initiated the annual Patuxent River wade-ins 20 years ago to test water turbidity and bring attention to declining water quality. The award is given annually to recognize outstanding contributions to Bay health and habitat of a tributary team member.

“From growing up on a farm in Prince George’s County to traveling the world as a journalist, Fred’s life experience has made him uniquely sensitive to the fact that where we come from has a huge impact on how we view and care for our natural resources,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “By communicating and collaborating on both social justice and environmental justice issues, Fred has an extraordinary ability to bring people together – no matter what their background – to act toward our common goal of improving the Bay.”

“We’re fighting collectively not just for the Chesapeake Bay, but for a way for a way of life,” said Tutman upon receiving the award. “We become empowered when we contact our legislators and we are never going to give up.”

In addition to his current Patuxent River responsibilities, for the past two decades Tutman has served as the President of the Conservation Federation of Maryland, President of the Patuxent River Civic Association and a member of DNR’s Outdoor Caucus. He also co-founded the Environmental Fund for Maryland.

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