(Washington, DC) — Nomination forms for the 20th Anniversary National Wetlands Awards Program are now available. For twenty years, the National Wetlands Awards program has honored individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, innovation, or excellence in wetlands conservation. The over 140 past Awardees provide critical examples of how individual citizens across the country can, and do, make a difference in wetlands protection and restoration efforts. The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2009 Awards program is December 15, 2008.
The 2009 National Wetlands Awards Program will honor individual achievement in six categories: 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. Awardees will be recognized at a Capitol Hill ceremony in May 2009.
The Washington, DC-based Environmental Law Institute has presented the National Wetlands Awards since 1989. Past Award recipients share a dedication to protecting the nation?s remaining wetlands; educating citizens, students, and agencies about the value of wetlands; and working with a diverse array of organizations and interests to advance wetland protection. To learn more about previous Award winners please visit http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org.
The National Wetlands Awards Program is directed and managed by the Environmental Law Institute, and is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, USDA Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Federal Highway Administration. A committee of wetland experts representing federal and state agencies, academia, conservation groups, and private sector organizations selects the Award winners.
For a copy of the 2009 National Wetlands Awards nomination form, visit the National Wetlands Awards Web site at http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org. For more information on the program, contact Rebecca Kihslinger at (202) 939-3812 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.