William C. Janeway Earns
the 2006 Advocate Award from
Environmental Advocatesof New York

“…during the last decade the environmental challenges that face us have taken on an exponentially higher order of urgency and complexity. We must respond to climate change, threats to our clean water, air and health, and the loss of working farmland and open space. We need support for energy independence, stewardship of public lands, cultural institutions and urban, minority, wilderness and suburban parks and communities.”

—Willie Janeway ’81

As director of New York Government Relations for The Nature Conservancy, Willie is a powerful and respected voice on conservation issues, helping to build coalitions such as the Friends of New York’s Environ-ment and leading, with others, the charge for state funding to protect New York’s endangered lands and waters.

His distinguished environmental career includes service as executive director of the Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, executive director of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, and director of North Country operations for the Adirondack Mountain Club.

“Willie is, without question, one of the most impressive, successful and respected advocates working in our state, and there is no better example of this than what was accomplished this year by Friends of New York’s Envi-ronment under his leadership,” says Andy Beers, The Nature Conservancy of New York’s acting state director. Friends of New York’s Environment, a coalition of more than 200 organizations speaking with one voice, succeeded in persuading the Governor and State Legislature to increase the Environmental Protection Fund from $125 million to $225 million in the short span of two years.

“…New York is blessed with some of the most diverse and beautiful places in North America, from the beaches of Long Island Sound, to the High Peaks of the Adirondacks and the shores of the Great Lakes. “Because of Willie’s efforts we are all able to enjoy the natural splendor and abundant wildlife living in these remarkable areas,” says Rob Moore, executive director of Environmental Advocates and a close collaborator in the effort to increase the Environmental Protection Fund. “He is a rare individual and someone who understands the intrinsic value of building strong coalitions.”

Willie Janeway is an indefatigable champion for the cause of land preservation who has earned the admiration and appreciation of his colleagues. We are proud to honor his many accomplishments with our 2006 Advocate Award.

From the awards program, courtesy of Environmental Advocates of New York

Environmental Advocates of New York is the state’s government watchdog, holding lawmakers and agencies accountable for enacting and enforcing laws that protect natural resources and safeguard public health. Environmental Advocates works alone and in coalitions, and has more than 7,000 individual and 130 organizational members. The tax-exempt 501(c)(3) is also the New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

 

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