The award, decided weeks ago, was supposed to be a surprise.
View full sizePete Grannis was fired Thursday at director of the state Department of Environmental Conservation.Pete Grannis, who was fired Thursday as commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation by Gov. Paterson for "poor performance and insubordination, was received a "Friend of the Outdoors Award" by the New York State Outdoor Writers Association.
The award, which was presented in the form of a plaque, was to be given to Grannis. However, in light of the firing, the award was accepted by Wally John, the DEC's special assistant to the commissioner for natural resources.
The award was presented during today's lunch meeting of the writer's group at its fall conference in Webster, just east of Rochester.
The award, which was decided upon several weeks ago by officials for the 100-member association, was supposed to be a surprise for Grannis.
According to a news release from the writer's group, "Grannis was recognized for his commitment to the enjoyment of outdoor recreational opportunities available throughout the state and his continued efforts to encourage sportsmen to enjoy the natural resources that New York has to offer.
"Commissioner Grannis was selected for positive contributions and changes that he has made during his tenure as DEC commissioner. Among the changes he is credited with is the increased communication with DEC personnel and the media. Ease of communications and access hve contributed to greater information for the outdoors media and consequently for the sportsmen and women of New York State. Scheduled press days and conferences have further increased information and understanding of the issues facing the DEC and the sporting community.
"Commissioner Grannis has proven himself as a friend of the sportsmen by his support, advice, encouragement of such issues as the Youth Hunting and Trapping bills, and allowing gthe use of rifles in many Southern Zone counties. He has instituted a 10-year pheasant management program and has initiated management plans for deer and bear. His willingness to work with the various groups within New York State government and facilitate solutions to crises is illustrated with the successful efforts to save the DEC Pheasant Farm and keeping the Moose River Plains Recreational Area open in the face of state budget cuts."
The news release concludes: "Throughout his years in office, Pete Grannis has maintained a dedication to the environment, protection of New York's natural resources, and encouraging and helping citizens to take advantage of these. A recent example of this is the aquisition of property on Canadice and Hemlock Lakes, two gems in western New York, to protect them from development and keep them open to sportsmen.
Construction of new boat launches in various parts of the state has increased access for fishermen and other recreational users."
» Related story: NY environmental chief is fired after leaked memo