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is necessary. The Board has 180 days in which to make a decision on our permit application. We filed responsive pleadings in federal court in April, and are awaiting a judge's direction regarding the next step in the proceedings.

In April, we published the draft environmental impact report on the Department's new program to control Egeria densa (Brazilian elodea) in the Delta and posted it on our Website, www.dbw.ca.gov. The public comment period ended on May 24, 2000.

This year, Boating and Waterways was the recipient of five awards from the State Information Officers Council. All state agencies are eligible to submit entries for the annual awards presented for best informational and educational products. The Department received the following awards:

Gold

Audio Campaign (on life jackets and alcohol)

Video (AquaSMART Boating, Check It Out - high school level)

Silver

Multi-Color Brochure (How to Buy A Used Boat)

Photography (How to Buy A Used Boat, cover photo)

Poster (2000 Safe and Wise Water Ways calendar)

Congratulations to the Public Information and Education Unit staff on their fine work.

Long-Time DBW Employee Edie Lenhart Retires A favorite and long-time Department employee, Edie Lenhart, retired on June 30. She served as the assistant to eight Directors of the Department since 1975. "We will really miss Edie," said Carl Moore, Interim Director, "She has been the mainstay of the Department for almost three decades and has been invaluable to the smooth running of the Department and the Boating and Waterways Commission." Edie has been the key staff person to organize the meetings and field trips of the Commission, which meets every other month in different locations throughout the State. Edie got her start in State service as a Junior Stenographer with the Department of Agriculture in Sacramento in 1955. Because of exemplary job performance, she was promoted during every stage of her career. Prior to working for the Department, Edie was employed by the Agriculture and Services Agency, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of General Services, and the Department of Youth Authority. And, unbelievable as it may sound, she worked for the State for 45 years, 25 of which has been with the Department. She recalls that when she started work for the State, electric typewriters were not yet commonly in use. Edie indicates that she has enjoyed her job and the Commission meetings. "The Department has been great, and I have worked in a few. It's been very interesting. What I will miss most are the people." Edie was born in Riverside, California, and raised in Sacramento, a graduate of El Camino High School. When asked what she plans to do after her retirement, Edie said, "I plan to get my yard in shape, get my house cleaner than it is right now, take up golf again, and maybe do some traveling." The Department wishes her the best -- her retirement is well deserved.