The Environmental Law Institute, a nationally-respected nonprofit organization, in May named Peg Bostwick of the Michigan DEQ the recipient of one of its prestigious National Wetland Awards. Environmental groups praised the choice, citing Bostwick's professionalism and commitment to wetlands protection.

Bostwick became Michigan's federal/state wetland program coordinator in 1989 and has shaped the state's wetland policy and programs for the past 15 years. "Her dedicated professionalism, vast knowledge of state and federal regulations and skilled diplomacy have allowed her to address complex state and federal government positions on wetlands and develop a sound partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency," said co-worker Colleen O'Keefe.

Bostwick launched Michigan's wetland mitigation banking program, oversees grants for the integration of wetland protection into watershed plans and local protection efforts and participates in state and multi-state interagency efforts, such as the Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands Consortium. Bostwick is often asked to provide input on national wetland policies and is currently vice-chair of the Association of State Wetland Managers.

Wil Cwikiel, special projects director at MEC member group Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, said Bostwick "has served as my role model and inspiration.... In addition to her optimism, Peg brings to her work a strong sense of humility and commitment to public service, a desire to look for innovative approaches, a keen knowledge of wetland and aquatic sciences, a tenacious grasp of local, state and federal policy and a willingness to work with all wetland stakeholders."

Bostwick is the mother of two children: Jamie, a student at Lansing Community College, and Daniel, who will soon become a student at Michigan State University. Her husband, Joe, is a fisheries biologist.

"There is no other person in Michigan whose efforts have more positively shaped state wetland program direction in the last 15 years than Ms. Bostwick," said O'Keefe.