Each year the environmental community comes together to honor individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to protecting our nation’s precious wetlands. Nomination forms for the 2005 National Wetlands Awards Program are now available. The deadline for submitting nominations is December 15, 2004.
The Washington, DC-based Environmental Law Institute® has presented the National Wetlands Awards since 1989. The Awards program recognizes individuals from across the country who have demonstrated extraordinary effort, innovation, and excellence at the regional, state, or local level. The Environmental Law Institute recognizes six categories; they are: 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.
A committee of wetland experts representing federal and state agencies, academia, conservation groups, and private sector organizations selects the Award winners. Awardees will be recognized at a Capitol Hill ceremony in May 2005.
National Wetlands Awardees are models of individuals making a positive contribution to their communities. Their efforts serve to educate the public about the value of wetlands, the programs that are available to protect and restore wetlands, and the value of cooperation.
The National Wetlands Awards Program is directed and managed by the Environmental Law Institute, and enjoys the sponsorship of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NOAA Fisheries, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
For a copy of the 2005 National Wetlands Awards nomination form, visit the Web site at http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org/index.htm and download the form. For more information on the program, contact Katie Wells at (202) 939-3810 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.