Oregon State Archives News

Archives Volunteer Named National Environmental Hero



	The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) named Archives volunteer Don Oswalt as one of America's "environmental heroes."

July 21, 2004

Archives volunteer Don Oswalt has been honored as a national environmental hero by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The award recognizes Don's 20 years of service protecting Oregon coastal resources during his tenure at the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development. He received his award July 20 in the Governor’s Ceremonial Office at the State Capitol in Salem.

Among his accomplishments, Don wrote state rules to conserve shorelines, beaches, estuaries, dunes, and other ocean resources. And, he also worked to assure that local coastal plans and ordinances met state standards. Don worked to establish six disabled access fishing sites on coastal rivers and helped protect the world's largest Sitka spruce tree located near Seaside. Moreover, his actions helped to protect and reuse the world’s largest wooden frame blimp hanger for a World War II warbird museum near Tillamook.

Don is among 30 individuals and three organizations to receive the award nationally. Oceanographers Jean-Michel Cousteau and Silvia Earle as well as actor Ted Danson number among those previously honored as national environmental heroes.

An Archives volunteer since April of this year, Don has been processing the Multnomah Vice investigation records from the Department of Justice records. He is working on earning his masters degree from Emporia State University's Library and Information Management program.

For more information, read the NOAA news release describing Don's accomplishments.

The entire staff of the Oregon State Archives congratulates Don on his award.

For more information about volunteering at the Archives, please contact Layne Sawyer at 503-373-0701 ext.239.