--- begin forwarded text Rex Received from Ro Foege just now. JO The following is Governor Tom Vilsack's statement on the resignation of DNR Director Paul Johnson: "The Lt. Governor and I both want to acknowledge Paul's exceptional leadership as director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. It was with Paul's tireless vision that the Clean Water Initiative passed into law this year. Without Paul's advocacy, Iowa would not be in a position to address the water quality problems we face today. "We wish to thank Paul for sacrificing his time away from the life he truly loves to create a cleaner and safer environment for all of Iowa's families. Paul has been a tireless advocate for the Department and Iowa's beautiful land. Through Paul's efforts, we began to focus the attention of all Iowans on protecting and enhancing our natural resources through Earth Year 2000 and the book, Iowa - Portrait of the Land. "Paul's departure from the Vilsack/Pederson Administration comes as a great loss not only to us personally but also to the people of Iowa. Paul has directed a staff of hardworking employees who are truly committed to Iowa's environment. Under this Administration, the Department will continue to follow Paul's vision. Paul has demonstrated his commitment to public service as a state representative, as director of Natural Resource Conservation Service, and as director of Iowa's Department of Natural Resources. We thank Paul for his dedication to being a true crusader for Iowa's land, air, and water." --- end forwarded text -- ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Rex L. Bavousett Photographer University of Iowa Our old name: University Relations - Publications Our new name: University Communications & Outreach - Publications 100 OPL, Iowa City, IA 52242 http://www.uiowa.edu/~urpubs/ mailto:[log in to unmask] voice: 319 384-0053 fax: 319 384-0055 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]