Office of the Secretary

U.S. Army Salutes Secretary Caldwell For Public Service

Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jack Caldwell has been recently honored for his commitment and dedication to protecting Louisiana's ecosystem and its natural resources. Col. Thomas Julich, New Orleans District Commander of the Army's Corps of Engineers presented Caldwell with a plaque and commemorative medal at a special ceremony held this month.

The "Commander's Award For Public Service" cites Caldwell's work with the Coastal Wetlands, Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act, known as CWPPRA, also the Breaux Act.

The Mississippi River Commission held its ‘high water inspection tour' on April 5 and the New Orleans Harbor Tour and Awards Ceremony on April 6, 2001. Caldwell, Atchafalaya Basin Program Executive Director Sandra Thompson Decoteau, and Morgan City Mayor Tim Matte were all recognized for public service and humanitarian efforts in the state.

Decoteau began working with Atchafalaya Basin preservation efforts in1972 and spearheaded the creation of the state's Master Plan for the Basin. Matte is a two-term mayor who has "relentlessly pursued improvements in the Mississippi River" according to his citation.

Secretary Caldwell was appointed by Governor Mike Foster to head DNR in1996. He has served as secretary of DNR longer than any other appointee to the position.

Editors: For more on this topic, please contact DNR Public Information Officer Phyllis Darensbourg at 225-342-8955.