RALPH W. ABELE CONSERVATION HERITAGE AWARD

1998 RECIPIENT

James L. Myers

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has selected James L. Myers of Oil City, Venango County as the recipient of the 1998 Ralph W. Abele Conservation Heritage Award.

Myers was selected for his interest in conservation of natural resources and his lifelong dedication as a volunteer in passing on an outdoor heritage to youth. Among his many accomplishments, Myers is the Founder of "Big Uncle Day," a day of fishing and recreation for disabled children. He was instrumental in the formation of the first Youth Field Day in Venango County. He has served as Clean Water Chairman for the Pennsylvania State Division of the Izaak Walton League and was involved in the development of Justus Lake/Two Mile Run Park. Over his 40 years of involvement in conservation and youth education he has been lauded the Pennsylvania Senate and given meritorious service awards by Ralph Abele himself.

Myers was nominated for the award by the Honorable Scott E. Hutchinson, member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. In his nomination letter, Hutchinson noted that Myers' middle name should be "commitment" as shown by dedication as "a volunteer warrior" in the cause of conservation at a level that is not just rare, but virtually extinct today.

In announcing the Abele award, current Commission Executive Director Peter A. Colangelo observed: "Jim Myers' lifetime devotion to the cause of conservation makes him truly worthy of this exceptional honor. As the recipient of the 1998 Abele Award, he joins a constellation of conservationists whose outstanding contributions have been similarly recognized."