Nominations Remain Open for Governor’s 2011 Environmental Stewardship Awards

NASHVILLE – The Department of Environment and Conservation is inviting Tennesseans to submit nominations for the Governor’s 2011 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, taking care of our air, land and water through innovation and hard work,” said Governor Bill Haslam. “I am pleased to support a program that recognizes leadership that affects the environment and often, the bottom line.”

 

The Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards cover 14 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; Pollution Prevention; and Sustainable Transportation Solutions. 

 

Any individual, business, organization, educational institution or agency is eligible, provided they are located in Tennessee and projects were completed during the 2010 calendar year. All nominees must have a minimum three years of environmental compliance with the Department of Environment and Conservation. Self-nominations are encouraged.

 

“The quality of our environment is so important in our daily lives and citizens continue raising the bar to ensure that Tennessee’s communities are healthy places to live, work and play,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau. “I look forward to working with Governor Haslam on this important initiative and acknowledging outstanding stewardship efforts across the state.”  

 

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 April 30, 2011. Award recipients will be announced in June 2011.

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