Chevron Conservation Award letter from T. W. Van Winkle honoring Dr. John H. Tanton

T.W. VAN WINKLE
Petoskey, Michigan 49770

Nov. 29,1989

Mr. Steve Workings 1819 H Street NO.WE.
Suite 500
Washington D.C. 20006

Thank you Mr., Workings....

In response to your phone call,I am honored in this opportunity to support the nomination of my fine friend Dr. John Tanton, for the CHEVRON CONSERVATION AWARD.

Dr. John Tanton IS MR. CONSERVATION. When I came to Petoskey with my wife, in 1969, I joined AUDUBON, thinking that I might meet others, interested in The Natural REsources, photography, etc. John Tanton presented an impressive list of projects which needed some one to work on. I was especially interested in his description of a proposed land trade, which threatened the natural beauty if The Maple River. This became my first efforts, and guided by John Tanton, I spent the next two years...and we were successful, in saving 230 acres of natural forest land, from the development which would have destroyed one of the finest stretches of this river.

Other projects, initiated by John Tanton followed... too detailed to justify space here ...one of which was stopping a development, which would have damned Filer Creek, destroying a marvelous wetlands.

It was John Tanton's influence that started me in working contacts with our DNR executive levels. This has been responsible for my working contacts, involved in extensive Environmental works.

The initiative of Dr. John Tanton, in NATIONAL PROJECTS, SUCH AS FAIR,, INDICATES THE SCOPE OF HIS MIND, AND ENERGY .... APPLIED TO THE PROBLEMS WHICH ARE VITAL TO ALL OF US WHO LOVE THE Natural resources, which are being so terribly destroyed, by people who are ignorant of the vital importance of clean water, natural growth of our forests, and the true values of wild life.

Cordially,

T.W. "Rip" Van Winkle