2006 Sami Izzo Award

2006 Sami Izzo Award

December 14, 2006

In 2006, the WRP presented the Sami Izzo Award to Dan McKinley. The award is given to individuals in recognition of their 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.

Dan’s contributions to the WRP are significant. A fisheries biologist with the Green Mountain National Forest in Rochester, Dan has been involved with the WRP since its inception. Dan served on the first Board of Directors and from 2000 through 2005 was the WRP Projects Manager. Since 2005, Dan has continued this work on a volunteer basis – making site visits; designing restoration projects; writing permits; and overseeing project implementation. In addition, Dan is an active volunteer with the Upper River Stream Team.

According to Board member Geo Honigford, Dan’s energy and enthusiasm exemplify Sami’s example: “I can think of no one better that fits into Sami’s example and has enhanced the health of the White River as much as our honoree Dan McKinley. Dan is all of what Sami was: full of energy, lively, dependable, and fun. He is a pure joy to work with and his energy for and love of the White River help motivate others to try a little harder. Dan has taught the Partnership members and citizens of the White River valley more about how rivers work than any other person on the planet. He truly is Mister White River.” Thank you, Dan, and congratulations!