LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Fran Martino upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Environmental Champion Award by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals and organizations within the great State of New York that
are dedicated to the vital work of environmental protection; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Fran
Martino upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Envi-
ronmental Champion Award by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency; and
WHEREAS, Fran Martino has been called upon to contribute her time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of herself unstintingly; she performs all of her public service with her
faithful dog Loki by her side; and
WHEREAS, An esteemed resident of Ghent, New York, Fran Martino is an
environmental educator who uses citizen science and outdoor exploration
to connect people to their local watershed; and
WHEREAS, Fran Martino is the sole proprietor of River Haggie Outdoors,
a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise located in Columbia County, New York;
she also serves as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Great-
er Stockport Creek Watershed Alliance whose mission is to explore,
understand, and protect the watershed ecosystem through community
involvement and stewardship; and
WHEREAS, A steadfast and unremitting environmental advocate, Fran
Martino's work includes developing, planning and presenting educational
and recreational programs for the general public, schools, scouts, town
parks, day camps and other organizations; and
WHEREAS, Fran Martino spearheaded the Alliance's "Stream Spotter"
program to train community volunteers to monitor water quality through-
out the Greater Stockport Creek Watershed; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Fran Martino serves the New York State Depart-
ment of Health Fish Advisory Outreach Project where she has been instru-
mental in raising awareness on fish consumption from New York State
waters; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Fran Martino has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Fran Martino has displayed through-
out her life; and
WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon all citizens to recognize and applaud
the efforts of individuals such as Fran Martino who work tirelessly on
behalf of protecting our natural surroundings for the benefit of present
and future generations of New Yorkers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Fran Martino upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Environmental Champion Award by the United States Environmental
Protection Agency; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Fran Martino.