Maryland Geologist Honored With Prestigious Frye Award For Environmental Geology

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland Geologist Honored With Prestigious Frye Award For Environmental Geology
BALTIMORE – The Geological Society of America and the Association of American State Geologists honored Dr. David K. Brezinski of the Maryland Geological Survey with the 2007 Frye Award. The prestigious John C. Frye Memorial Award is given annually to the best environmental geology report or research paper published by the Geological Society of America or by one of the state geological surveys.

“Although the report carries my name, the study resulted from the efforts of several Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Maryland State Highway Administration (MDSHA) employees. I am highly flattered and grateful that our four-year effort was recognized,” said Dr. Brezinski.

Dr. Brezinski’s Report of Investigations No. 75, Stratigraphy of the Frederick Valley and Its Relationship to Karst Development was recognized for its excellent research and mapping.
Under the auspices of DNR and MDSHA, Dr. Brezinski and his team mapped more than 1,800 sinkholes and identified natural and man induced factors that lead to the formation of sinkholes. Dr. Brezinski’s work discovered that sinkholes frequently occur along old stream courses, where building or highway construction disturbed stream routes. City and county planning departments are already following the report’s recommendations.

Dr. Brezinski has worked for the Maryland Geological Survey for over 20 years, authoring nearly 100 scientific papers and maps.
June 27, 2007
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov.