Conservationists honor Congressmen Wittman and Boren

WASHINGTON, DC—The Center for Coastal Conservation has presented U.S. Reps. Rob Wittman (R-Va.) and Dan Boren (D-Okla.) with its two highest awards to public officials for their work in support of marine conservation.

Wittman was presented the Center’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership on marine resource stewardship and his support of recreational fishing and boating. A leader on the Natural Resources Committee, Wittman is among the most avid outdoorsmen in the Congress.

“Rob Wittman walks the walk,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Coastal Conservation. “His leadership for good stewardship of America’s marine resources continues to make a real difference on the water – and in the Capitol.”

In accepting the award at the Center’s annual conference in Washington on May 4, Wittman emphasized the importance of protecting the nation’s natural resources and sporting heritage.

“Good conservation serves the best interests of our marine fishery resources and the outdoorsmen who enjoy those resources,” said Wittman. “America’s anglers are the foundation of good conservation.”

The Center presented Rep. Boren its Conservationist of the Year Award in recognition of his longtime commitment to conservation, especially his leadership in 2010 to secure important changes to the Magnuson Stevens Act. Boren served as co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, and his leadership on the House Natural Resources Committee continues to make him a key player in conservation.

“Congressman Boren has been a champion for anglers and hunters,” said Jack Lawton, Jr., chairman of the Center for Coastal Conservation. “He has played a pivotal role in ensuring that our natural resources are protected for generations to come.” Conservation community honors Wittman, Boren/ADD1-1-1

Two of Boren’s colleagues have been honored in recent years with the Center’s Conservationist of the Year award: Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-Guam) was honored with the award in 2009 and Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) in 2010.

The Center for Coastal Conservation brings under a single umbrella the leading advocates for marine recreational fishing and boating. The organization promotes sound conservation and use of ocean resources by backing federal legislators who support its goals. For more information, visit www.CoastalConservation.US.

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Editor’s note: Links to photos of Rep. Wittman and Rep. Boren at these hyperlinks:

Wittman. Boren.

Respective cutlines:

U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.) receives the Center for Coastal Conservation’s Lifetime Achievement Award from Ellen Peel, president of The Billfish Foundation. The award was presented at the Center’s annual meeting, Center Focus on Washington.

Congressman Dan Boren (D-Okla.), recipient of the Conservationist of the Year Award from the Center for Coastal Conservation, is congratulated by Patrick Murray, president of the Coastal Conservation Association.