For Immediate Release: October 21, 2011

Call for Nominations for 2012 National Wetlands Awards

Nomination forms for the 2012 National Wetlands Awards Program are now available. The National Wetlands Awards Program honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of our nation’s wetlands. The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2012 Awards program is December 15, 2011.

The 2012 National Wetlands Awards Program will honor individual achievement in six categories: Education and Outreach; Science Research; Conservation and Restoration; Landowner Stewardship; State, Tribal and Local Program Development; and Wetland Community Leader.

Organizations and federal employees are not eligible. Awardees will be recognized at a ceremony in May 2012.

Since 1989, the National Wetlands Awards Program has honored more than 150 champions of wetlands conservation. The program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional effort, innovation, and excellence in wetlands conservation at the regional, state, or local level. Past award recipients share a dedication to protecting the nation’s remaining wetlands; educating citizens, students, and agencies about the value of wetlands; and working with a diverse array of organizations and interests to advance wetlands protection. To learn more about previous award winners, please visit http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org.

The National Wetlands Awards Program is administered by the Environmental Law Institute and supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. A committee of wetland experts representing federal and state agencies, academia, conservation groups, and private sector organizations selects the Award winners.

For a copy of the 2012 National Wetlands Awards nomination form, visit the National Wetlands Awards website at http://nationalwetlandsawards.org/nominations.htm. For more information on the program, contact Philip Womble at (202) 939-3837 or e-mail wetlandsawards@eli.org.

The Environmental Law Institute® is an independent, non-profit research and educational organization based in Washington, DC. The Institute serves the environmental profession in business, government, the private bar, public interest organizations, academia, and the press. For further information from the Environmental Law Institute, please contact Brett Kitchen at 202-939-3833 pressrequest@eli.org.
###