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The ̽����ѡ has selected one of California’s most effective conservation leaders to receive its 2012 Charles H. Callison Award. Dan Taylor, who has served ̽����ѡ in Sacramento since joining the organization as an intern in the 1970s, received the award on Sept. 28 at the ̽����ѡ Board Meeting in Tucson, Arizona. 

Now in their 18th year, ̽����ѡ’s Callison Awards recognize one volunteer and one staff member, nominated by their peers, who have made remarkable contributions to conservation through coalition-building, creativity, education, outreach, and perseverance. 

“Many years ago Charles Callison laid the groundwork for the modern ̽����ѡ that is built on grass roots strength and networked effectiveness – so to be honored in that light is quite an honor,” said Taylor. “I’ve been thrilled over the years to work with so many dedicated people here at ̽����ѡ, and it’s humbling to be counted among them.” 

Taylor’s extensive knowledge of the West’s many conservation issues has enabled him to step into a number of different roles, deliver in every one of them, and become the face of some of our most important conservation victories in the West. 

He has won victories on behalf of old growth forests and the Northern Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet. Taylor was at the heart of ̽����ѡ’s campaign to save Mono Lake, which halted decades of harmful water diversions, and has spoken out against off-shore drilling. He also advocated effectively in support of the Endangered Species Act, thereby protecting one of our nation’s most important tools for defending wildlife. He has successfully fought to protect wildlife from the dangers of lead pollution and poaching, and has emerged as a strong voice for Bay-Delta water policy reform. 

Taylor has served as ̽����ѡ’s western regional representative, executive director of ̽����ѡ California, vice president for field support, and since 2007, as California director of policy and government relations. 

“Through his calm demeanor, good judgment and deep understanding of conservation at every level, Dan has genuinely been the voice of the birds in Sacramento,” said David Yarnold, President of the ̽����ѡ. 

Charles H. Callison served with ̽����ѡ from 1960 to 1977. An eminent conservationist, he was instrumental in ̽����ѡ’s fight to pass the Wilderness Act of 1964, including the Clean Air and Water acts, the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Toxic Substances Control Act. A firm believer in the strength of the grassroots, he expanded the reach of ̽����ѡ by chartering and supporting hundreds of new chapters nationwide.

About ̽����ѡ California

̽����ѡ California is building a better future for California by bringing people together to appreciate, enjoy and protect our spectacular outdoor treasures. With more than 60,000 members in California and an affiliated 48 local ̽����ѡ chapters, ̽����ѡ California is a field program of the ̽����ѡ. Learn more at www.ca.audubon.org.