Let me put humility aside this morning:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2004
Michigan State University Press Author, Dave Dempsey,
Wins Award for Great Lakes Book
The Historical Society of Michigan handed out its annual Awards of Merit at the 130th State History Conference held in St. Joseph recently. The conference, sponsored annually by the Historical Society of Michigan, focused on a wide variety of Michigan history topics. The Awards presentation at a special reception and banquet was a highlight of the meeting. The annual State History Awards-Awards of Merit are prized statewide and are the highest recognition presented by the state’s official historical society and oldest cultural organization.
Awards were presented in eight categories recognizing the contributions of local historical societies, distinguished volunteer service, distinguished professional service, Michigan history publications, media, restoration and preservation, special programs and education.
On the Brink: The Great Lakes in the 21st Century by Dave Dempsey, published by Michigan State University Press, received a Michigan history publications award. It is a work that thoughtfully discusses the Great Lakes’ unique and natural features and weaves in 150 years of human actions, short-sighted human follies and calamities. Dempsey reviews the history of public attitudes and laws and the environmental impacts on the Lakes from industrial contamination, commercial fishing, sea lampreys and zebra mussels. He argues that frequent neglectful treatment of the Lakes was due to two faulty assumptions regarding the Great Lakes Basin: that it is such a big system that humans could not do it great harm and that it is a resource that can’t be bent to the will of humans. He concludes that despite recent improvements, however, the Great Lakes are still “on the brink” and citizens must continue to challenge government leaders to reform and protect our treasured lakes.
To order a copy of On the Brink: The Great Lakes in the 21st Century, please contact Michigan State University Press at www.msupress.msu.edu or call 517/355-9543, ext. 101.
For more information on the Awards of Merit or for a nomination form visit www.hsmichigan.org or call the Society at (800) 692-1828.