2007 Sami Izzo Award

2007 Sami Izzo Award

November 05, 2007

In 2007, the WRP presented the Sami Izzo Award to Jon Bouton. The award is given to an individual in recognition of his or her significant contributions to the WRP and our community. Sami Izzo was a tireless, committed, and enthusiastic supporter of the WRP. She was the first chair of the Down Stream Team and served on the Executive, Steering, and Outreach committees of the WRP Board of Directors. She not only contributed her thoughts, but also energized us with her can-do attitude that helped us see that doing more was possible. Most importantly she made the work of those committees more fun.

Jon has contributed to the WRP as a loyal supporter, partner, advocate, and active volunteer for the past decade. As the Windsor County Forester, Jon has been involved with the WRP since its inception. As a volunteer, Jon has led education events, monitored water quality, ferried water quality samples from White River to South Royalton, and coordinated the Forestry Work Group. Jon actively seeks new connections for the WRP – with Marsh-Billings, State and Private Forestry, UVM, Vermont’s Tree Steward Program, and others. More importantly, Jon adds to the WRP community through his dedication, time, energy, humor and insight.

According to former Executive Director, Annie Bourdon, “Jon always brought his professional expertise and knowledge to this diverse group, but what he demonstrated most were his respect for its members, his passion for the watershed and its forests, and his commitment to the WRP’s roots as a community-based and consensus-driven organization. He never flaunted his knowledge but rather facilitated and encouraged community participation in every form, embracing everyone’s diverse opinions.” Thank you, Jon, and congratulations!