Society of American Travel Writers Presents Conservation Awards

MILWAUKEE (October 20, 2010) – Five outstanding projects in the tourism industry each received a 2010 Phoenix Award from the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). The awards were presented at the SATW Annual Convention in Dresden, Germany, on October 18, 2010.

The Phoenix Awards were created in 1969 to recognize conservation, preservation, beautification and anti-pollution accomplishments as they relate to travel. The 2010 winners are:

Miscou Island, Miscou, New Brunswick, Canada
Miscou Island is one of the single most beautiful spots in the world. The island always had the raw materials to become a top tourism draw, but the local tourism industry took the lead to develop the potential. Now, visitors can beach comb, bird watch, climb the lighthouse, and walk the interpretive boardwalk through the bog while feeling as if they are on the very tip of the world.

A reviewer said, “I love the combination of historic and environmental conservation with the operational nature of the lighthouse. Outstanding.”

Trans Canada Trail, Montreal, Canada
The Trans Canada Trail (TCT) was created as part of Canada’s 125th anniversary mostly along defunct rail lines, old logging trails, and historic waterways and pathways. It is a multi-use corridor linking Canada’s major cities and attractions from coast to coast. At 10,000 miles, the Trans Canada Trail is the world’s longest trail network, with an expansion in the works for the eventual completion goal of 13,670 miles from Atlantic to Pacific and to the Arctic oceans.

A reviewer said, “Most people (even Canadians!) do not grasp the significance of the trail. The effort entailed to create this trail is mind-boggling, as it involved all levels of government, from the tiniest community councils to provincial and federal levels.”

The High Line, New York City
This vertical public park was originally constructed in the 1930s to lift dangerous freight trains off Manhattan’s busy streets. Section 1 re-opened to the public in June 2009 and since then, The High Line has welcomed more than 2 million visitors. It attracts not only New York residents, but visitors from around the world.

A reviewer said, “What’s not to love? From the history, challenges, and community effort to the preservation and beautification of this historic rail line, The High Line is an amazing project. I haven’t seen New Yorkers (and visitors) this excited about something in a long, long time.”

Central Park Conservancy, New York City
Founded in 1980 by civic philanthropists dedicated to ending Central Park’s serious decline and restoring it to the brilliance created by 19th-century designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the Central Park Conservancy remains committed to its mission “to restore, manage, preserve Central Park, in partnership with the public, for the enjoyment of present and future generations.” More than 25 million people visit Central Park each year, with at least 20 percent coming from outside New York City. As both a National Historic Landmark and a New York City Landmark, Central Park is the first public park built in America and currently the most frequently visited urban park in the country.

A reviewer said, “As one who always takes time to stroll through Central Park while visiting New York, this nomination made me realize that most foreign visitors (not to mention Americans) likely take the beauty and ongoing care of the park for granted, without realizing the mammoth efforts required to conserve its natural beauty and historic edifices. Certainly, the Central Park Conservancy deserves recognition for its dedication and painstaking efforts.”

Dr. Mary Majka and Mary’s Point Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve, Harvey, New Brunswick, Canada
Every year, between 75 and 90 percent of the world’s population of migrating shorebirds stop for food and rest at Mary’s Point. Thanks to the vision of Dr. Mary Majka, a trained naturalist, a valuable shorebird reserve was re-claimed from private ownership and developed into an asset for future generations.

A reviewer said, “Wow, a great testament to the dedication of one person. Dr. Majka is a gem and her foresight has created a wonderful example of environmental conservation in the highly visited Fundy area. Combined with its restoration from an over-used beach facility, this is a great example of the spirit behind the Phoenix Awards.”

The Society of American Travel Writers, in its 54th year, is the pre-eminent professional association of more than 1,500 travel journalists and media relation professionals.