Environment and Conservation Seeks Environmental Achievers

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN FOR GOVERNOR’S 2007 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARDS

Nashville, Tenn. – The Department of Environment and Conservation is inviting Tennesseans to submit nominations for the Governor’s 2007 Environmental Stewardship Awards. The awards recognize Tennesseans who go above and beyond to protect the state’s diverse environment.

“The quality of our environment is a cornerstone of the lifestyle that Tennesseans enjoy,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke. “Our environment impacts everything from our recreational activities to the health of our communities, so it’s important that we recognize the people and organizations that work so hard to protect it.”

The Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards cover 12 categories: Agriculture/Forestry; Aquatic Resource Preservation; Building Green; Energy Leadership; Environmental Education and Outreach; Green Schools; Greenways and Trails; Hazardous Waste Reduction; Lifetime Achievement; Natural Heritage Conservation; Parks and Recreation; and Pollution Prevention.

Any individual, business, organization, educational institution or agency is eligible, provided they are located in Tennessee, its projects were accomplished during the 2006 calendar year, and it does not have any outstanding non-compliance issues with the Department of Environment and Conservation. Self-nominations are encouraged.

A panel of judges representing agricultural, conservation, forestry, environmental and academic professionals will select award recipients based on criteria including on-the-ground achievement, innovation, and public education. The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2007. Award recipients will be announced in late April 2007.

For more information about each category, judging criteria and nomination forms, log on to the Web site at www.tdec.net/awards.

For more information contact:

Dana Coleman
Office (615) 253-1916

Tisha Calabrese-Benton
Office (865) 594-5442