Remembering Martha - Biography


Martha's Bio and Achievements Your Memories Photos Home	Biography One of the founding members of the RCEN, Martha Kostuch was loved and respected by countless people who had the chance to work with her over the years. Up until the last few weeks of her life, she was an active member in the network's activities, participating in meetings and making her voice heard, as always. Many people know Martha as an environmental activist who was involved in countless organizations, projects, committees and other selfless activities over the years. But Martha was not only an activist – she was also a mother, a grandmother and a retired veterinarian. During this past year, she was co-chair of the RCEN Water, Fisheries & Oceans Caucus, and was also active on the Environmental Planning & Assessment, and Atmosphere and Energy caucuses. She was also President of ALERT (the Alberta League for Environmentally Responsible Tourism), and Chair of PARC (the Prairie Acid Rain Coalition). Martha was always active on a broad variety of environmental issues, including: Environmental Assessment, Water Management, Air Quality and Land Use. Some of her other projects and titles included: Vice-President (2005) of Friends of the Oldman River Vice-President and NGO Co-Chair of the Clean Air Strategic Alliance (CASA) Alberta Wilderness Association Parkland Airshed Management Zone Association Rocky Mountain House Chamber of Commerce National Air Issues Coordinating Committee Achievements Recently, Martha's lifetime contribution to the environment was recognized by the Alberta government with the creation of a bursary for a new certificate course in consensus building - something she was well-known for. Please click here to read several media articles that were published prior to and after her death. Taken altogether, they paint a wonderful picture of the importance of Martha's work and the respect that people had for her dedication, courage and leadership. Some of Martha's other accomplishments include: Lifetime Achievement Award, 2007, from the Canadian Environmental Network Alberta Wilderness Defenders Award, 2004, from the Alberta Wilderness Association Douglas Pimlott Award, 2003, from the Canadian Nature Federation Alberta Emerald Award, 1992, from the Alberta Emerald Foundation for Environmental Excellence Archie Hogg Award, 1983 and 1987, from the Alberta Fish and Game Association