Environment and Conservation Seeks Environmental Achievers

Nashville, Tenn. – The Department of Environment and Conservation is inviting Tennesseans to submit nominations for the Governor’s 2008 Environmental Stewardship Awards. The awards recognize Tennesseans who go above and beyond to protect the state’s diverse environment.

“Tennesseans continue to make great strides in protecting our environment and in recognizing that how we live our lives today affects future generations,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke. “Our environment impacts everything we do from recreational activities to ensuring healthier communities, so it’s important that we acknowledge the people and organizations that work so hard to protect it.”

The Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards cover 13 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; Pollution Prevention; and Solid Waste Reduction, which is a new category for 2008.

Any individual, business, organization, educational institution or agency is eligible, provided it is located in Tennessee and its projects were accomplished during the 2007 calendar year. Nominees must have a minimum of three years of environmental compliance with the Department of Environment and Conservation to be eligible for consideration. 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, 2008. Award recipients will be announced in May 2008.

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