WHEREAS, John Tippett, an environmental scientist and the face of Friends of the Rappahannock for nearly two decades, announced his retirement as executive director of the organization on April 18, 2014; and

WHEREAS, John Tippett earned a bachelor of science degree in environmental science from Allegheny College and a master's degree in environmental resource management from Duke University in 1990; and

WHEREAS, John Tippett, a true conservationist who fell in love with the waters of nature as a child in his native southern Maryland, has served as executive director of Friends of the Rappahannock since May 1995; he has built an exceptionally talented staff of environmental professionals whose dedication to serving the Fredericksburg area extends to the entire Rappahannock River, the mountains, and the Chesapeake Bay; and

WHEREAS, John Tippett, a strong and energetic advocate for the Rappahannock River, inspired enthusiasm and stewardship, and under his leadership Friends of the Rappahannock has been instrumental in the removal of the Embrey Dam in 2004 to benefit migratory fish and the establishment of a 31-mile riverfront conservation easement to protect more than 4,200 acres of land along the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers; and

WHEREAS, John Tippett has successfully led Friends of the Rappahannock to work with local governments and developers on low-impact development ordinances, which were among the first in Virginia; provide educational programs that serve more than 8,000 students each year; gather water-quality samples and construct rain barrels; and assist homeowners with installing rain gardens to keep polluted runoff out of the Rappahannock River; and

WHEREAS, a former Kellogg Foundation fellow, John Tippett has worked as a consultant on environmental projects in Eastern Europe, the Philippines, and South America; his awards and recognitions include the Float Fishermen of Virginia's 2005 River Conservationist of the Year, the International Paper and The Conservation Fund's 2007 National Environmental Partnership Award, the River Network's 2008 National Ricer Hero Award, and the Center for Watershed Protection's 2010 Stoneroller Award; and

WHEREAS, an avid Hobie Cat sailor, John Tippett enjoys spending time with his family and anticipates serving as a consultant to Friends of the Rappahannock in his well-earned retirement; and

WHEREAS, John Tippett's hard work and significant contributions to the environmental protection of the Rappahannock River watershed will give citizens and tourists the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the river in its natural setting and enjoy a healthy outdoor experience for years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend John Tippett for his expertise and dedicated advocacy; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to John Tippett, executive director of Friends of the Rappahannock, as an expression of the General Assembly's appreciation of his contributions to the Commonwealth and best wishes for a rewarding retirement.