Brewer receives state conservation award

Brewer receives state conservation award

Former state Sen. Robert W. Wetmore, left, and state Sen.-elect Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer, flank Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, D-Barre, on Wednesday in Templeton as he receives the Francis W. Sargent Conservation Award. (BRAD MINER)

 

By Bradford L. Miner CORRESPONDENT

TEMPLETON — Amid a host of environmental luminaries, the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board today presented state Sen. Stephen M. Brewer the Gov. Francis W. Sargent Conservation Award.

The event, at the Otter River Sportsmen's Club on Lord Road, marked the 11th time the award has been bestowed since it was established in 1970 to recognize an individual for contributions in protecting the state's natural resources.

Known during his 35-year legislative tenure for as a strong advocate for the environment and the state's sportsmen and women, Mr. Brewer received a wooden loon decoy carved by Geoff Walker of Newbury.

Speaking for the board, Mike Roche of Orange said that in recent memory no one has played a more influential role than Mr. Brewer in helping the agency consistently achieve its mission of managing the state's natural resources.

"When something needed to be done, there was but one go-to guy and that was Steve. He was a master of compromise, of preventing bad legislation from becoming law, strongly speaking up for sportsmen's rights, be they Quabbin fishermen or lawful gun owners," Mr. Roche told the group of 50.

Mary B. Griffin, commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game, cited the department's gains during her tenure, noting that Mr. Brewer was an advocate from the outset of the new state-of-the-art field headquarters in Westboro.

"We honor Sen. Brewer today for his well-known passion, commitment and effectiveness in conserving wildlife over a long and distinguished career in the state Legislature. He has a strong record of leadership and accomplishment in enhancing wildlife education programs and access for anglers, hunters and others who enjoy outdoor recreation," Ms. Griffin said.

Robert A. Durand, secretary of Environmental Affairs from 1999 to 2003, cited the legislator's work on the $2.2 billion environmental bond bill, ensuring a legacy that "will be felt for generations to come."

Mr. Brewer acknowledged friends and colleagues who had gathered for the tribute, noting they were the "Cooperstown of environmentalists."

He cited memorable moments, among them banding baby bald eagle chicks with Gov. Deval L. Patrick on Quabbin Reservoir, and working with the Mahar Fish & Game Club and the North Worcester County Quabbin Anglers.

"I am deeply honored and humbled by this award," the senator said, noting the nervous moments on election night until he was certain "the torch had been passed" to state Rep. Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer.

Ms. Gobi, who will succeed Mr. Brewer in the Senate in January, representing the Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Middlesex District, said she is optimistic the incoming Baker administration will have the same commitment to environmental and natural resource values as those exemplified by the Patrick administration the past eight years.

Mr. Brewer has been instrumental in the passage of legislation benefiting fish and wildlife and water resources, particularly the protection of the Quabbin Reservoir. His initiatives include the preservation of agricultural land and open space, support of dairy farmers, and the maintenance and enhancement of the Inland Fish and Game Fund.