NEWS from BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatUS Press Room at www.BoatUS.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
San Francisco Sailor Honored With
BoatUS Foundation Environmental Leadership Award
10 Award Nominations Gain Environmental Commendations
ALEXANDRIA, VA, September 11, 2008 – Russ Robinson, a long-time San Francisco Bay sailor who has tackled many challenges facing recreational boating and the environment, has been named winner of the BoatUS Foundation Environmental Leadership Award for 2008. The award, along with a $1,000 prize, is given annually by the Foundation to a volunteer group, government organization, company or individual to recognize dedication and hard work in protecting the marine environment and promoting clean boating.
Robinson has served on many government task forces, using his experience to help local government agencies understand the boating community. In the mid-1990's when Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) pollution threatened to close lakes in the state, he helped form a coalition to address the problem. Working with the California Department of Boating and Waterways, Robinson made it easier for the agency to remove derelict vessels, before they caused environmental harm. When questions were raised about marina pollution, he represented boaters on a task force and helped draft a voluntary approach and Clean Marina Guidebook for the state. He also helped return more 15,000 acres of industrial salt ponds to recreational use, and most recently worked to find common sense solutions to the closure of some of the Golden State's lakes as a result of concerns over invasive species. "Russ's efforts have impacted every boater in California," said BoatUS Foundation Director of Environmental Programs Susan Shingledecker. A member of the San Jose Sailing Club and South Bay Yacht Club, Robinson has lived in the Bay area since 1957, and is an active sailor and past owner of Catalina 36, Jubilation. The Cupertino, CA resident has a long history with Recreational Boaters of California (RBOC), joining the group's Board in 1992 and serving as its president in 2003. Current RBOC President Walt Kadyk said, "Russ has the respect and admiration of his friends in the boating community and the many regulatory agencies and associations he works with. Recreational Boaters of California was proud to nominate Russ for this prestigious award. He is a true treasure to boating." Competing for this year's award were 30 other nominees, and in addition to Robinson's award, the BoatUS Foundation honored 10 of these groups and individuals with Environmental Commendations for their extraordinary environmental efforts. To view a list of recipients with their programs, go to BoatUS.com/foundation. The BoatUS Foundation Environmental Leadership award cycle will seek new nominations in early 2009. Founded in 1981, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and research organization primarily funded by the voluntary contributions of the 650,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). It excels in providing safe, smart and clean boating resources for boat owners nationwide.
