Nominations are Open for Governor’s 2009 Environmental Stewardship Awards

NASHVILLE – The Department of Environment and Conservation is inviting Tennesseans to submit nominations for the Governor’s 2009 Environmental Stewardship Awards. The awards recognize Tennesseans who go above and beyond to protect the state’s diverse environment.

“The quality of the environment is a cornerstone of the quality of life that Tennesseans expect, impacting everything from recreational activities to the health of our communities,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “That's why it's important that we pause to recognize 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; Solid Waste Reduction; Lifetime Achievement; Natural Heritage Conservation; Parks and Recreation; and Pollution Prevention. 

Any individual, business, organization, educational institution or agency is eligible, provided it is located in Tennessee and its projects were completed during the 2008 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, 2009. Award recipients will be announced in May 2009.

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