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Contact: Sean Mahar
Audubon New York
518-253-7000 (cell)

County Executive Andrew Spano Awarded Audubon New York’s Prestigious William Hoyt Environmental Excellence Award
Marking the first time a County Official is presented with this important honor

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY March 28, 2008 – Audubon New York and the Audubon Council of New York State held its Spring Audubon Assembly at the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center in Saratoga Springs, NY from March 28-30, 2008. In addition to finalizing their annual conservation agenda, members visited The Saratoga National Historic Park, an Audubon Important Bird Area and held workshops on Global Warming and wind power development.

This year, Audubon New York and the Audubon Council of New York State selected Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano, as the 2008 recipient of the William Hoyt Environmental Excellence Award, named in honor of the popular environmental advocate who passed away in 1992 while serving in the State Assembly. This award is presented annually to an elected official in recognition for work above and beyond the normal call of duty to advance critical solutions to the most pressing environmental issues. County Executive Spano is the first County Official to receive this award, and was honored for his strong commitment to conservation and his many programs to protect and restore the habitat and biodiversity of Westchester County.

“Andrew Spano has consistently embraced a strong conservation ethic in managing the natural resources of Westchester County, and we are thrilled to present this important award to such a deserving and dedicated environmentalist,” said Albert E. Caccese, Executive Director of Audubon New York. “With such trailblazing initiatives as the first County Important Bird Area program, a County wide native plants program, a yearly no pesticide day, and most recently the creation of a Global Warming Task Force, his actions are shining examples of how a local leader can tackle big environmental issues. We look forward to introducing County Executive Spano’s successful efforts to other Counties across the State.”

“County Executive Andrew Spano typifies what a local legislator should do to protect the environment,” said John Hannan, Chair of the Audubon Council of New York State and a Westchester resident. “Throughout his tenure, County Executive Spano has advanced many important initiatives to protect open space and conserve the biodiversity of our County and I am delighted to give this award to such a progressive environmentalist.”

“Protecting and improving the quality of our environment and preserving our natural resources are among my highest priorities in Westchester County, and I am honored that Audubon has chosen me to accept this prestigious award,” said Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano. “Audubon New York has been an outstanding partner in shaping Westchester’s conservation priorities. I applaud their leadership and commitment to preserving our natural resources and for their unwavering support of conservation initiatives throughout New York State.”

During his tenure, County Executive Spano has launched many ground breaking environmental initiatives including, creating the first County wide program to designate Important Bird Areas, modeled after Audubon New York’s IBA program; developing water quality and wastewater management plans to help clean up Long Island Sound, for which he received Audubon New York’s Sound Guardian Award; adopting a native plant executive order which required the use of native plants on all county owned properties; creating a yearly "No Pesticide Day" to encourage residents to stop their use of pesticides for one day; establishing biodiversity research and reserve areas throughout the county parks system; acquiring more than 2,000 acres of parkland; as well as creating the first Westchester Endangered Species List. Even today, County Executive Spano continues to find local solutions to major environmental issues, such as global warming.

The 2008 William Hoyt Environmental Award was presented on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center in Saratoga Springs, New York. Past award recipients include then Assemblyman Maurice Hinchey (1990), Assemblyman William Hoyt (1991), Assemblyman Pete Grannis (1992), Senator Owen Johnson (1993), Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (1995), Assemblyman Richard Brodsky (1996), Assemblyman Steven Englebright (1997), Senator Carl Marcellino (1998), DEC Commissioner John Cahill (2000), Assemblyman Sam Hoyt (2001), Attorney General Eliot Spitzer (2002), Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli (2003), Governor George E. Pataki (2004), OPRHP Commissioner Bernadette Castro (2005), Senator Vincent Leibell (2006), Congressman Maurice Hinchey (2007).

For more information about the award and the Audubon Assembly, contact Sean Mahar, Director of Government Relations and Communications, Audubon New York (518) 253-7000 (cell).

Honored Norman Shapiro (Orange County Audubon Society) with Norm Stotz Award (l to r) John Hannan (Audubon Council Chairman), Sabina Shapiro and Lynn Barber (President of Orange County Audubon Society)

Audubon Council Board with County Executive Andrew Spano

Audubon New York, the 50,000 member State program of the National Audubon Society, is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitats that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.

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