Each year the environmental community comes together to honor individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to protecting our nation’s precious wetlands. The Washington, DC-based Environmental Law Institute® has presented the National Wetlands Awards since 1989. Nomination forms for the 2003 National Wetlands Awards Program are now available. The deadline for submitting nominations is January 10, 2003.
The Awards program recognizes individuals from across the country who have demonstrated extraordinary effort, innovation, and excellence at the regional, state, or local level. Award categories are Education/Outreach, Science Research, Volunteer Leadership, Land Stewardship and Development, and Outstanding Wetlands Program Development. Organizations and federal employees are not eligible.
A committee composed of wetland experts from federal and state agencies, academia, conservation organizations, and the private sector selects the Award winners. Awardees will be recognized at a Capitol Hill ceremony.
National Wetlands Awardees show how individuals can and do make a difference. Their efforts to educate the public and surrounding communities about the value of wetlands, the programs that are available to protect and restore wetlands, and the value of cooperation among grassroots organizations, educational organizations, private landowners, and federal, state, and local government agencies to protect wetland resources.
The National Wetlands Awards Program is managed by the Environmental Law Institute, and co-sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and USDA Forest Service.
For a copy of the 2003 National Wetlands Awards nomination form, visit the National Wetlands Awards Web site at http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org/index.htm and download the form. For more information on the program, contact Erica Pencak at (202) 939-3822 or e-mail wetlandsawards@eli.org. You may also write to the National Wetlands Awards Program, Environmental Law Institute, 2000 L Street, NW, Suite 620, Washington, DC 20036.