Phillips Tapped As New Coastkeeper, ACT Exec. Director

BERLIN - The Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT) announced this week it has hired Worcester County resident and environmental steward Kathy Phillips to take over as the new Assateague Coastkeeper effective April 1.

Phillips will also serve as the Executive Director of the Assateague Coastal Trust. She replaces Jay Charland, who served as the Coastkeeper from October 2002 until August 2006.

"Kathy will be our advocate for healthy water and sound environmental policy in the coastal bays,' said ACT President Jim Rapp. 'She will be a voice for protecting the natural resources of coastal Worcester and Accomack counties.'       

As Coastkeeper, Phillips' main job is to monitor land and water uses along the coastal bays and to work with local stakeholders to promote responsible environmental stewardship. She will be patrolling the tidal creeks, bays, barrier islands and coastal mainland from the Saint Martin's River in Maryland to Horntown Bay in Virginia.
"The wetlands and bays of the Maryland and Virginia Eastern Shore are a national treasure. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to help preserve something I love,' Phillips said. 'I've seen the changes that have taken place over the last 30 years and working as Coastkeeper I'll be able to ensure that our land and waterways will be protected for generations to come.'
Phillips added, 'I hope to build a stronger working relationship with all stakeholders in the Assateague Coastkeeper territory. Through better public education and a strong commitment among all those who live and work along our coastal bays, we can protect our waterways and the environment upon which all living beings depend.'
A Worcester County resident since 1971, Phillips brings experience in advocacy and coalition building for surfing rights and beach access through her 15-year career as the Executive Director of the Eastern Surfing Association. She campaigned unsuccessfully for Worcester County Commission in 2006 but made certain that land and water conservation was a major issue of discussion during the elections.

Assateague Coastal Trust will present several key initiatives and introduce the new Coastkeeper at a press conference later this month. Details will be announced shortly.
Citizens of Worcester and Accomack counties are encouraged to call Phillips when they observe an environmental violation or if they have a question about state and local policies at 410-629-1538. Problems and questions can also be directed to coastkeeper@actforbays.org