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Senate backs Molly Beattie distinguished service award honoring Vermont conservation leader
Summary
The Senate proposed to the House to amend and ordered third reading of H.3.96, which would create the Molly Beattie Distinguished Service Award in the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation to honor a current or former state employee or partner for contributions to conservation and public‑land stewardship.
The Vermont Senate on the floor voted to propose to the House an amendment and ordered third reading of H.3.96, a bill establishing the Molly Beattie Distinguished Service Award within the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.
Senator Bongarts (Bennington District), reporting for the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee, summarized Beattie's career and said the award would recognize a current or former state employee or partner who "honors the legacy of Molly Beattie in advancing conservation, accessibility, quality of recreational experience, or sustainability of Vermont's public lands." The reporter described Beattie as a pioneer who earned a master's in forestry from the University of Vermont, held senior state positions including commissioner of forests and parks and deputy secretary at the Agency of Natural Resources, served as executive director of the Snelling Center for Government, and in 1993 became director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the transcript records that appointment and her national service). The reporter noted Beattie died in 1996 at a relatively young age.
On the floor the senator from Chittenden asked whether the bill's use of the term "partner" was deliberately broad; the committee reporter said the wording was meant to allow the agency flexibility to recognize volunteers, fundraisers and other collaborators. The reporter also said the award carries no dedicated funding and is intended as an honorific recognition (likely a certificate or similar award).
Senators commended Beattie's legacy during floor remarks. Senator from Bennington closed by asking the Senate to propose the committee amendment to the House; the Senate then ordered third reading by voice vote.
Next steps: The Senate proposed the committee's recommended amendment to the House and ordered third reading. If enacted, the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation would administer the award to honor individuals whose work aligns with Beattie's conservation legacy.
