Environmental Law Institute - National Wetlands Awards

Paul Scott Hausmann and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources statewide wetland team he leads have developed and implemented a state program widely emulated for its excellence and innovation in managing and protecting wetlands. Mr. Hausmann’s 29 years of work, inspiration, and leadership have been pivotal in securing many of the state’s wetland achievements, including becoming the first state, in 2001, to pass water quality legislation to fill the gaps in jurisdiction created by the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Mr. Hausmann coordinates the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource’s wetland protection and management programs. He also is staff liaison to the state’s Coastal Management Program. His influence and leadership have extended beyond state boundaries as well. As a founding member and past chair of the Association of State Wetland Managers, Mr. Hausmann created an organization that empowers local, state, tribal, and federal wetland professionals to exchange ideas, solve problems, and function as a sound, rational voice for improving wetland policy and protection. He was involved in creating the association’s key policy documents, and he continues as a member of the association’s Board of Directors, providing valuable advice and insight. Mr. Hausmann has testified before Congress on behalf of Wisconsin and state wetland managers, and he has contributed to a variety of national forums. Wetland program ideas emerging in other states have benefitted from Mr. Hausmann’s generous knowledge, prodding, and sense of humor, and from Wisconsin’s fine example. Mr. Hausmann’s years of service to Wisconsin and his efforts to help shape better national policy exemplify outstanding program development.

— Cathy Garra, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, Chicago, Illinois