The PA Parks and Forests Foundation Tuesday recognized conservation leader Caren Glotfelty for her work to preserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources, promote outdoor recreation, and engage citizens on environmental issues and solutions, awarding the Pittsburgh resident its 2014 Cliff Jones Legacy Award.
This year’s award is sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities.
“Caren Glotfelty has been an active and vibrant player in the conservation movement throughout her distinguished career,” says Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “Her work has included promoting smart growth, clean air and water, green building initiatives, and sustainable development.”
(Photo: PPFF President Marci Mowery, Caren Glotfelty and Joanne Raphael of PPL Electric Utilities. Photo by Joe Frassetta)
Glotfelty was the Deputy Secretary for Water Management in the Department of Environmental Resources, under Governor Robert P. Casey. In 1995, she was appointed the Goddard Chair in the School of Forestry at Penn State University, the first and only woman to hold this position.
A role model and guide, Caren’s collaborative approach to problem solving, as well as her experience training in land and water resource management, has served her throughout her career.
Glotfelty’s many accomplishments include:
— Created an environmental assessment process to implement Pennsylvania’s Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment;
— Drafted the initial concept of the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council;
— Led Governor Casey’s Committee on Non-point Nutrient Management;
— Author of the National Water Policy Charter for the Interstate Council on Water Policy;
— Chair of the Ecosystem Management Advisory Committee;
— Co-Chair of Governor Ridge’s 21st Century Environment Commission;
— Organizer of a conference on Pennsylvania biological diversity conservation;
— Co-Chair of Governor Rendell’s Outdoor Taskforce;
— Chair of Clear Water Conservancy and coordinator of the International Countryside Stewardship Exchange;
— Organizer of the Goddard Symposium, a celebration of the life and legacy of Doc Goddard;
— Chairman of the 2008-2013 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan planning committee;
— Major strategist in the production of the Brookings Institution study, Back to Prosperity;
— Responsible for more than $100 million in grants to Pennsylvania’s environmental non-profit organizations while at Heinz Endowments; and
— Produced publications on environmental planning topics.
Caren Glotfelty was honored at PPFF’s 8th annual awards banquet on May 6 at the West Shore Country Club in Camp Hill, Pa.