Stafford Award

On June 23rd., Scenic America presented Jeanne Hearn of Fort Pierce with the Stafford Award in recognition of her exemplary efforts to preserve the distinctive community character of Fort Pierce and her many years of commitment to scenic conservation.  Historic Downtown Fort Pierce and Indian River Lagoon, nominated by Hearn and the St. Lucie Waterfront Council, was selected as one of 12 Last Chance Landscapes by Scenic America in 1999.

As a result of this selection, elected officials and the general public became more aware of the work of Hearn, the Waterfront Council and many other local citizen groups to fight the threat of cargo expansion on this extremely sensitive and valuable lagoon. Cargo ships, with their well documented negative impacts on adjacent ecosystems, would potentially destroy the diverse estuary.

"Jeanne's efforts personify Scenic America's message: we do have a choice about the quality of our scenic environment," said Meg Maguire, President of Scenic America. "By taking action to protect the distinctive community character of Fort Pierce, Jeanne has made a significant 'contribution to her community, her state, and our nation."

Scenic America's Stafford Award recognizes a diverse group of individuals and organizations
whose leadership in fostering conservation at the local and state levels has had significant positive impacts, both locally and In many ways nationally.

Some of the past recipients are:
Gov. Pete Wilson, CA; Sen. John Chafee, RI; Charles Floyd, GA; Julian Price, NC; City of Raleigh, NC and former Gov, William Schaffer, MD.