The conservation group People For Puget Sound will honor Helen Engle, Terry Williams and The Seattle Aquarium as 2011 Warren G. Magnuson Sound Legacy Award winners at the group’s “New Day For Puget Sound” Spring Luncheon on Wednesday, April 6, at the Seattle Four Seasons Hotel.
A special Puget Sound Hero Award will be given to the many people and organizations that worked to save the shorelines and marine waters of Maury Island from a gravel mine and shipping operation.
Helen Engle of Tacoma is a member of Tahoma Audubon Society and recognized for her 40-plus years of working on behalf of the environment and environmental organizations. She helped galvanize support for oil spill prevention, for cleaning up Commencement Bay in Tacoma, and for saving the Nisqually Delta. Her support and enthusiasm have inspired and motivated generations of younger people to step up and be a part of the environmental movement.
Terry Williams is Fisheries and Natural Resources Commissioner for the Tulalip Tribes and recognized for his many years of serving on numerous boards and commissions dealing with water quality, habitat and salmon resource issues. Terry is distinguished by his willingness to listen, and the knowledge, patience, cultural and moral commitment he brings to his life’s work.
The Seattle Aquarium received the organization award for its leadership in educating the public about the marine environment and demonstrating its commitment to protecting and restoring the health of Puget Sound. Its mission to inspire conservation of our marine environment becomes a reality for tomorrow’s conservation leaders and for all of us through its programs and its partnerships in the community.
The special Puget Sound Heroes award recognizes the 13-year effort that concluded with Maury Island now having a King County park on shore and an Aquatic Reserve that is a true reserve in adjacent waters. This special award recognizes extraordinary persistence, creativity, passion, cooperation and effectiveness in the long battle to protect Maury Island and the orcas, salmon and people who call it home.
The Warren G. Magnuson Puget Sound Legacy Awards honor the late Washington senator who, in the 1970s, passed historic legislation protecting marine mammals and keeping supertankers out of the Sound, among other important bills. The awards are given to individuals, projects, groups or businesses nominated for their outstanding work on behalf of the marine life in Puget Sound.