Letter from NPT President

Dear Friends,

I am very pleased to inform you that Connie Morella has been selected to receive the Bruce F. Vento Award for Public Service. This recognition is given annually by NPT to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service, discernment, courage, skill, resourcefulness, or innovation in the preservation of land, water or historic sites - the heritage of America.

When:     Thursday, April 24, 2003

Where:    Hyatt Regency Washington On Capitol Hill
              400 New Jersey Avenue, NW
              Washington, DC 20001

Past recipients of this award include Former Lt. Gov. Lowell Thomas, Jr., and former Congressman John F. Seiberling.

As a member of Congress, Connie Morella has an impressive record for America's environment and for open space in her district. The League of Conservation Voters Environmental Scorecard noted her career score of 89 percent, casting 185 pro-environment Scorecard votes in 208 opportunities, a record that ranks among the very best in Congress. In 2001, Morella's score was an exceptional 93 percent.

Quantity in this case was also matched by the quality of her leadership. From the beginning of her 16-year career in Congress, when few in Congress stood firmly for environmental protection, she was there, without hesitation.

As you may have recently read in the Washington Post, a recent Tribute to Morella dinner with 300 expected ended with 1100 participants and more who could not attend. I was there and it was a great display of her community's love for her. 

We therefore want to invite you and members of your organization. A strong showing during Earth Day Week would appropriately recognize her record of commitment, and the need for new leaders for the environment.

If you would like to attend, please let us know. Our heroes are few.

Best Regards,
Paul C. Pritchard,
President
National Park Trust