Nomination Period for National Wetlands Awards Now Open

September 2020

(Washington, DC) — The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is accepting nominations for the 32nd Annual National Wetlands Awards. The National Wetlands Awards Program honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of our nation’s wetlands. Recipients will be honored during American Wetlands Month in May. The deadline for submitting a nomination for the 2021 awards is December 23, 2020.

The 2021 National Wetlands Awards Program will honor individual achievement in up to six categories: Youth Leadership; Scientific Research; Promoting Awareness; Local Stewardship; Wetlands Program Development; and Business Leadership. Organizations and federal employees are not eligible for nomination.

“The recipients of the National Wetlands Awards are on the forefront of protecting wetland resources in the face of development and climate impacts,” said ELI President Scott Fulton. “Through their dedication and achievements, they inspire wetlands protection across the country and worldwide.”

Since 1989, the National Wetlands Awards Program has honored over 200 champions of wetlands conservation. The program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional effort, innovation, and excellence in wetlands conservation at the regional, state, or local level. 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 wetlands protection.

The National Wetlands Awards Program is administered by the Environmental Law Institute and supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, and NOAA Fisheries. A committee of wetland experts representing federal and state agencies, academia, conservation groups, and private sector organizations selects the Award winners.

For more information on submitting a nomination, please visit the National Wetlands Awards website at http://elinwa.org. For more information on the program, please contact Rebecca Kihslinger at (202) 939-3812 or e-mail wetlands@eli.org.