Past River Heroes

This annual award celebrates rivers and those who protect them by recognizing some of our victories and honoring those who provide us with leadership and inspiration along the way. In addition to the River Heroes, River Network selects one individual each year to receive the James R. Compton River Achievement Award, celebrating a life-long commitment to river conservation.

2002 Winners

Barb Horn, Habitat Biologist, Colorado Division of Wildlife (CO)

Barb Horn has worked for 15 years as a Habitat Biologist with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. In addition to her work for the State, Barb started the Colorado River Watch program, a school-based volunteer monitoring program. River Watch has grown to include more than 100 schools throughout Colorado.

David Hess, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA)

Growing Greener was signed into law in December 1999 with the promise of $650 million over five years for open space and farmland preservation, watershed restoration, cleaning up pollution from abandoned mines and mine lands, plugging abandoned oil and gas wells, and upgrading sewer and water systems. Secretary Hess was the primary architect behind Growing Greener, has been its most vocal advocate, and has inspired local action in Pennsylvania's rivers and their watersheds.

Marc Taylor Chair, Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition (CT)

Marc Taylor is the Chair and founding director of The Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition. He has given countless hours to bringing together stakeholders in the region - governmental, business and environmental - to understand and improve the health of the Pomperaug River and Aquifer.

Zachary Frankel Executive Director, Utah Rivers Council (UT)

For over 8 years, Zach has lead river conservation efforts in Utah. His commitment to conservation and his comprehension of the intricacies of environmental protection make him a river warrior. In an era of dam removal its almost incomprehensible that Zach's first battle with the fledgling River Council was to stop the Diamond Fork Dam and Bear River dams.