Tribute to Phil Clapp (1953-2008) Conservation Advocate and Environmental Leader

Statement of John Flicker, President, National Audubon Society

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ansel Adams once said, "It is
horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment."
In that fight, the environment had no stronger champion than Phil Clapp.
Audubon is profoundly saddened by the loss of this irreplaceable champion of
conservation.

Phil's legacy will endure not because he wrote policy, but because he shaped
our perspectives and defined our priorities. In that sense he follows the
tradition of some of our greatest environmental leaders.

Phil was at his best not as the power broker in the smoke-filled room, though
he often was in that role. Phil was at his best as the gentleman standing in
the smoke-filled lobby outside, intent on holding them accountable. With a
clever quip, or a witty rejoinder, Phil would often expose the folly of
elected and appointed officials who failed to uphold their duties as stewards
of our air, water, wildlife and our very planet.

While Phil was one of our movement's most talented spokespersons, he was so
much more. His strategic advice shaped our triumphs and mitigated our losses,
his leadership led to the founding of one of our most dynamic environmental
advocacy groups, and his vision made him a mentor for a generation of
environmental advocates who were privileged to know and work with him. Phil
is no longer with us, but his powerful legacy will remain.

SOURCE National Audubon Society

Antonio Iallonardo for National Audubon Society, +1-202-271-8602