Clyde Brown received the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Environmental Hero Award at the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve today. The award was presented by Eldon Hout, director of NOAA’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, during a ceremony to dedicate a boat ramp at the reserve. NOAA is an agency of the Commerce Department.

The award honors NOAA volunteers for their "tireless efforts to preserve and protect our nation's environment." Brown was recognized for his long-term efforts to protect the fragile, natural resources of coastal Mississippi.

“Clyde had dedicated more than 35 years of his life to volunteer projects that address coastal resource issues in Mississippi,” states Hout. “His only motivation has been to better his community and the coastal environment. This type of commitment is critical to the preservation of our coastal resources.”

Brown is a life-long resident of eastern Jackson County, Mississippi. He is retired from nearly 40 years of employment at the International Paper Company and is a part-time oysterman and processor. Brown has been involved in a number of volunteer efforts that range from serving on citizen advisory councils to establishing the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

David Ruple, manager of the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve says, “Clyde Brown is soft-spoken yet determined in his efforts to conserve and restore the resources of the Mississippi coast. He serves as the pulse of the local community and has been the sounding board for local residents inquiring about federal and state conservation initiatives over the years. Clyde is a true environmental hero and I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with him.”

Established in 1995 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Earth Day, the Environmental Hero award is presented to individuals and organizations that volunteer their time and energy to help NOAA carry out its mission. Previous recipients include oceanographers Jean-Michel Cousteau and Sylvia Earle, and actor Ted Danson, head of the American Oceans Campaign.

“On behalf of the 12,500 men and women working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, I am pleased to present you with this 2003 Environmental Hero Award,” retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator, wrote in a letter to the recipients“Your dedicated efforts and outstanding accomplishments greatly benefit the environment and make our nation a better place for all Americans.”

There are a total of 36 winners—35 individuals and one organization for the 2003 NOAA Environmental Heroes Award.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation’s coastal and marine resources. NOAA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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