[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E908-E909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF GLENDA BOOTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Glenda Booth, an outstanding environmental activist from Fairfax 
County. On Saturday, April 25th Ms. Booth will receive the Liz Hartwell 
Conservation Award for her decades of service to her community.
  Ms. Booth has served as Chair of the Wetlands Board of Fairfax 
County, and spearheaded the first program in the state to implement 
Living Shorelines to protect the upper tidal reaches of the Potomac 
River, reducing erosion and nutrient pollution that would flow to the 
Chesapeake Bay.
  She has promoted environmental stewardship through the Audubon 
Society of Northern Virginia, Virginia Conservation Network, Friends of 
Westgrove Park, Mount Vernon Council of Citizens Associations, Friends 
of Huntley Meadows Park, Friends of Dyke Marsh, and numerous watershed 
management advisory committees. She was instrumental in helping me 
develop and implement Fairfax County's environmental agenda, which the 
Board of Supervisors adopted shortly after I was elected Chairman. This 
comprehensive environmental plan addresses topics ranging from natural 
landscaping to the reduction of endocrine disruptor pollution. Without 
Ms. Booth's extraordinary scientific expertise and political acumen the 
County's environmental policies would not be as inclusive or effective 
as they are today.

[[Page E909]]

  Ms. Booth also is an able advocate at the state and federal levels. 
By leading the Friends of Dyke Marsh, she has spearheaded efforts to 
protect wildlife and aquatic life at this remarkable marsh in Fairfax. 
Through her participation in the Virginia League of Conservation 
Voters, she has championed stronger environmental policy at the 
statewide level. Prior to her wide-ranging volunteerism in the 
community, Ms. Booth served as staff to Senator Dianne Feinstein of 
California. This professional experience equipped her to be a highly 
effective community activist.
  Advocates like Ms. Booth have initiated every significant 
environmental legislative achievement in the past, whether it is 
legislation to clean up toxic waste at sites such as Love Canal or 
protect local habitats in Dyke Marsh and Mason Neck. I am grateful for 
her service, which is more valuable than ever as federal, state, and 
local governments confront environmental challenges ranging from 
climate change to restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. Madam Speaker, I 
ask that my colleagues join with me in congratulating Glenda Booth on 
receiving the Liz Hartwell Conservation Award to recognize three 
decades of environmental activism.

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