Karl Mason served as Pennsylvania’s first State Environmental Administrator from 1952 to 1966. Karl’s holistic vision of environmental management embraced essential, but conflicting, needs associated with waste disposal and community environmental protection. The general framework established by Karl serves as the foundation for Pennsylvania’s environmental protection programs to this day. Karl believed and put into practice the notion that environmental protection is primarily the business of professionals who have the skills, by virtue of their scientific training, to manage the technical and scientific complexities of maintaining a safe, healthy and clean environment. He was committed to the belief that continuing education was an essential part of the career of every environmental professional.

When Karl passed away, a group of his colleagues decided to commemorate Karl’s vision of a strong, professionally managed environmental program by creating the Karl Mason Award. The award is presented to Pennsylvanians who made a unique and creative contribution to the field of environmental management in Pennsylvania with preference given to the fields of administration, law, regulation and community organization. The Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals (PAEP) is the steward of the Karl Mason Award. The award has traditionally been an engraved acrylic and wood plaque.

Each year, Karl Mason Awards are presented to meritorious nominees selected by the PAEP Board of Directors from two categories as follows:

• An individual who demonstrated exemplary leadership in the field of environmental management.
• An organization, project or program that made a significant contribution toward maintenance or restoration of Pennsylvania’s environmental quality.

Nominations are being accepted through March 31st, 2010. You may nominate as many individuals and/or groups as you see deserving.

Please submit attached form with detailed, concise nominations via mail or email to:

The awards presentation will take place at the PAEP Annual State-Wide Conference, May 12-14, 2010, at Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Macungie, Pennsylvania.

To learn more about the legacy of Karl Mason, visit the PAEP web-site: www.paep.org