WASHINGTON (November 15, 2006) — Senator Jim Jeffords (I-VT) and Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) have received the Ansel Adams Award from The Wilderness Society for lasting contributions to the protection of America’s natural treasures.

The award came just as the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass legislation championed by Jeffords that will protect an additional 42,000 acres of wilderness in the Green Mountain National Forest. The bill, passed by the Senate in September, now goes to the president’s desk to be signed.

Over the course of his 32 years in Congress, Jeffords also has supported efforts to curb industrial pollution and acid rain and to ensure passage of the 1990 Clean Air Act. “Senator Jeffords is by any measure a hero to the environment who exemplifies Vermont’s proud tradition of conservation,” said William H. Meadows, president of The Wilderness Society. “Despite his impending retirement, he fought tirelessly for passage of the New England Wilderness Act. Future generations of Vermonters will surely look upon Senator Jeffords’ legacy with deep gratitude, as will all Americans who benefit from his life’s work.”

Boehlert is the Congressman from New York’s 24th District and will retire in January after completing his 12th term. “Over more than two decades, Congressman Boehlert has been a steadfast champion for conservation of America’s unique public lands legacy,” said Meadows. “As chairman of the House Science Committee, he has been a truly independent voice for rational consideration of the best available scientific research, and time and again he has rallied bipartisan support for protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.”  

“I thank The Wilderness Society for this award, and for the hard work they do every day to protect the environment,” Jeffords said. “As I prepare to retire, I am gratified that we have passed a wilderness bill that will preserve thousands of acres for future generations. I have devoted much of my career in Congress to environmental issues, and I am honored to be recognized for the achievements that I, together with the environmental community, have had.”

“I'm honored to receive this award,” said Boehlert. “I've worked closely with The Wilderness Society on key issues to protect our federal lands and our endangered species. We need to pass on these lands, which belong to all Americans, in better condition than we found them.”

The Ansel Adams Award is the highest honor that The Wilderness Society bestows on a public official. The award is named for the celebrated photographer who, until his death, was an outspoken advocate for safeguarding the nation’s natural heritage. Prior winners include President Jimmy Carter, former Senator John Chafee (R-RI), Earth Day founder and former Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-WI), former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell (D-ME), Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT), former Idaho Governor Cecil Andrus, and former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall.

Founded in 1935, The Wilderness Society is a nonprofit conservation organization with more than 300,000 members and supporters. Its goal is to ensure that future generations will enjoy the clean air and water, beauty, wildlife, and opportunity for spiritual renewal provided by the pristine forests, rivers, deserts, and mountains owned by all Americans.