December 16, 2009
The Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail is pleased to announce that Paul E. Hagen has been named to its Board of Directors.
Mr. Hagen currently leads the International Environmental Practice at Beveridge & Diamond, P.C., one of the nation's leading law firms focusing on environmental law. His work includes advising corporations, trade associations and non-profits on international environmental and conservation issues.
Mr. Hagen has held board leadership positions with several national environmental organizations. These include serving as a board member and Board Chair of the Environmental Law Institute (2002-2008), board member and Secretary of The American Bird Conservancy (2002-2008), and Treasurer and Secretary of the World Environment Center (2008 - present). Locally, he has served on the board of the Potomac Conservancy, where he remains active and leads an annual migratory bird outing.
“Paul Hagen brings us a passion for conservation, outdoor recreation and an understanding of legal and environmental issues that will help us shape a new, 21st century approach to land conservation in the Chesapeake,” said Charlie Stek, Chairman of the Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail. “We are immensely pleased to have him on our board.”
"The Board and Staff of this organization have made great progress toward defining and protecting our treasured Chesapeake landscapes and I am delighted to join with these remarkable individuals to advance this work at a critical time in the Bay's history," said Mr. Hagen.
As a life-long birder and fisherman, he discovered the wonders of the Chesapeake Bay watershed soon after moving to Washington, D.C. more than two decades ago. His volunteer time includes introducing people of all ages to the thrill of fishing the region's rebounding spring shad runs and to the remarkable birding opportunities that exist throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Mr. Hagen is also an avid kayaker, spending time on both the Potomac River and in the salt marshes of Dorchester County.
"The Chesapeake Bay and its major rivers are national treasures that have the potential to provide world-class birding, kayaking and recreational fishing opportunities," observed Mr. Hagen. "Regrettably, public access to the Bay and its recreational resources is often far too limited. Expanding public access must be a critical measure of our success in restoring the Bay and protecting its landscapes."
Mr. Hagen began his career working on open space, marine conservation and farmland preservation issues for Suffolk County, New York. He and his wife divide their time between the Nation's Capitol and Maryland's Eastern Shore.