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U.S. EPA presents national award to Marin woman for environmental conservation

Release Date: 6/17/2004
Contact Information: Laura Gentile (gentile.laura@epa.gov) - 415/947-4227 (desk) or 415/760-9161 (cell) or Barbara Salzman, winner of EPA's National Wetlands award, 415/924-6057

Her efforts resulted in the protection of more than 1,000 acres of Bay Area wetlands

Last month the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented a national award to a Marin County woman for her outstanding work in protecting Bay Area wetlands.

Barbara Salzman, president of the Marin Audubon Society, was one of six people nationwide to receive this year's EPA National Wetlands Award.

Salzman initiated the protection of more than 1,000 acres of wetlands in Marin County through negotiations with private landowners and developers, fundraising, education and outreach. She spearheaded efforts to secure the purchase and preservation of the 632-acre Bahia site, which is located near Hwy. 37 on the Petaluma River, by raising $15.8 million to purchase the site.

"Barbara has been a relentless and dedicated wetlands advocate for many years," said Alexis Strauss, director of the EPA's water division for the Pacific Southwest office. "We are grateful for the extraordinary work she has done to protect and preserve Bay Area wetlands. She is a fine example of what one person can achieve to benefit so many others."

The award winners were chosen by a selection committee comprised of national leaders from government and nonprofit organizations including the National Wildlife Foundation and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Salzman and the other winners from across the country were honored at the White House last month.