TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- William L. Andreen, Edgar L. Clarkson Professor of Law at The University of Alabama School of Law, has received the 2007 River Hero Award from the Alabama Rivers Alliance in recognition of his commitment and work to protect and restore rivers and watersheds.

In accepting the award, Andreen said, "I am both humbled and flattered to receive this award. I am humbled by the fact that there are so many individuals who have worked harder and longer than I have to protect the ecological integrity of our watersheds. I am flattered because I have such high regard for the Rivers Alliance and all of those who have been associated with it over the years."

Andreen served on the Rivers Alliance board of directors from 1996-2004. served as board president from 1998-2001, served as vice president of the board from 1996-1998, and has served as legal counsel since 1994.

"The Rivers Alliance and other environmental organizations in the state have produced a lot of progress, but there is much more to do. In fact, we need to redouble our efforts since our rivers, streams and wetlands are facing new threats every day," Andreen said.

The Alabama Rivers Alliance was organized in 1996. Its predecessor, the Alabama State Rivers Coalition, was formed in 1993 by the Cahaba River Society, the Alabama Chapter of the Sierra Club, Lake Watch of Lake Martin, Alabama Citizen Action, the Friends of the Locust Fork River and the Alabama Environmental Council.

The mission of the Alabama Rivers Alliance is to protect and restore state rivers through water quality and quantity policy advocacy, restoration planning, grassroots organizing and watershed education.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.