June 7, 2010 — William H. Street, executive director of the James River Association, is the recipient of the 2010 Gerald P. McCarthy Award for Leadership in Environmental Conflict Resolution.

The University of Virginia's Institute for Environmental Negotiation presents the award annually on behalf of the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute, a partnership between the Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the institute.

The Institute for Environmental Negotiation recognized Street, who has been director of the James River Association since 2005, for his leadership and vision in river conservation in Virginia. Street received the award at the graduation dinner for the 2010 class of the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute, held Thursday in Charlottesville.

John Tippett, executive director of the Friends of the Rappahannock, said, "Bill exhibits exceptional talent at bringing diverse players together and, coupled with his solid understanding of the science, policy and politics of watershed protection, he has significantly increased the progress of river conservation in Virginia."

Ann Jennings, executive director of the Virginia Office of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, said, "Bill has successfully forged partnerships with many conservation organizations and non-traditional partners and, as a result, has increased understanding of and support for agriculture best-management practices and improved stormwater management in the Commonwealth."

The Institute for Environmental Negotiation gives the award to an individual who demonstrates leadership in preservation and protection of the commonwealth's environment; supports collaborative problem-solving through actions, contributions and/or educational programs; and acts as a role model to other groups and individuals for the resolution of environmental issues.

The institute created the Gerald P. McCarthy Award in 2004 to honor McCarthy, its first recipient, and his efforts to protect and promote environmental literacy and mediation in Virginia. McCarthy is executive director of the Virginia Environmental Endowment.

For information, contact Frank Dukes, director of the Institute for Environmental Negotiation, at 434-924-2041 or ed7k@virginia.edu or visit the VNRLI website, or contact Steve Talley at 434-924-6569.