Conservationists honor Congressman Doc Hastings

May 17, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC—The Center for Coastal Conservation has presented U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA) with its Conservationist of the Year Award, which annually goes to a public official for work in support of good stewardship of America’s marine resources.

“Doc Hastings has been a stalwart for anglers across the country – and a real steward of the resource,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Coastal Conservation. “His leadership is making a difference.”

Hastings is the ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee. The Committee has jurisdiction over most federal land use and water policies, including national forests, national parks and monuments, wilderness areas, national scenic areas, Indian reservations and BLM lands.

In accepting the award at the Center’s annual conference in Washington on May 5, Hastings emphasized the importance of protecting the nation’s natural resources.

“As the top Republican on the House Committee on Natural Resources, I support marine conservation policies based on sound science and good data. Recreational fishermen must remain a vital part of marine conservation efforts,” said Hastings.

“America’s anglers have worked for generations to conserve the resources where they live, work and recreate every day. Keeping anglers in that leadership role – rather than ‘top-down,’ directives from Washington, DC – ensures good stewardship of our resources,” he said.

Hastings’ colleague, Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-Guam), was honored with the award in 2009. She chairs the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife.

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 and backs federal legislators who support its goals.