September 26, 2004

Wild and wonderful notes

Champions of wilderness

Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., and West Virginia University biochemistry professor Mary Wimmer were honored for their roles in wilderness conservation during a Sept. 20 ceremony at the National Press Club marking the 40th anniversary of the Wilderness Act.

Among speakers at the event were actor-director and wilderness advocate Robert Redford and former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall.

Byrd, who received the Hubert H. Humphrey Wilderness Leadership Award, is one of three active members of the Senate who voted to approve the Wilderness Act in 1964.

The bipartisan effort that led to passage of the act �should serve as a lesson for those who are seeking guidance regarding other important measures before this and future Congresses,� Byrd said.

�The Wilderness areas of my state have given West Virginians a freedom to explore. This freedom has been secured and protected so that future generations also may enjoy the beauty of God�s creation.�

Wimmer, a member of the Sierra Club and the West Virginia Wilderness Coalition , was presented the Wilderness Forever future leadership award for maintaining the vision of Wilderness Act author Howard Zahniser.