ITHACA, N.Y. -- Barbara Bedford, senior research associate in the Department of Natural Resources, is the recipient of the 2005 National Wetlands Award in the science research category. The awards, which are co-sponsored by the Environmental Law Institute, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Federal Highway Administration and NOAA Fisheries, are given "for exemplary contributions in conserving or restoring the nation's wetlands." The seven categories in which the awards are given celebrate "individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, innovation or excellence in wetlands conservation."

Bedford's scientific research and ideas were cited as being "cutting-edge for over 30 years." Bedford leads a research program on wetland conservation that examines plant diversity and the factors that control it at both local and regional scales. Her landscape-level approaches to wetlands science, which focus on the importance of regional geology and hydrology in determining biodiversity within wetland systems, have been incorporated into management programs of both the EPA and The Nature Conservancy. Her research contributions have earned Bedford the National Merit Award of the Society of Wetland Scientists, the National Award for Excellence in Wetland Science Applications and Public Policy from the National Association of State Wetland Managers, and appointment in recent years to four committees of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences.

Bedford, who teaches courses on landscape impact analysis and wetland ecology and management, also was cited for her outstanding communication and teaching skills. In this area, she was described as an "astounding resource"for students and praised for her ability to communicate highly technical information to diverse audiences. Bedford's nominating letters recognized her "big-picture thinking"and her "masterful"synthesis and integration of scientific knowledge relevant to policy decisions. In June of this year she will assume the presidency of the Society of Wetland Scientists.

Bedford, who has been a member of the Cornell faculty since 1980, will be honored at a Capitol Hill ceremony May 18 in Washington, D.C.

"This year's awardees, who are at the forefront of efforts to protect America's valuable aquatic resources, provide a sense of confidence that we have the leadership, talent and commitment to realize the challenging goal that we have established of moving beyond 'no net loss' to achieving an overall increase in the nation's wetlands," said Benjamin H. Grumble, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's assistant administrator for water. The award's co-sponsors believe that recognizing award recipients for their efforts will help ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy high quality wetlands, biological diversity and clean water.

The 2005 award recipients were chosen by a diverse selection committee composed of national leaders in wetlands conservation.