The Wildlands Conservancy announced this week the Lehigh Valley Land Recycling Initiative is the recipient of the 2008 Ark award.

For eight years, LVLRI has played a critical role in the clean-up of 42 properties, provided technical assistance for municipalities dealing with environmental concerns, and has created a balance for economic growth between two counties, three cities, and the overall environmental health of the Lehigh Valley.

LVLRI received the Ark award at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Luncheon, held on November 4. Holly Edinger, land recycling coordinator, received the award on behalf of the organization.

“The Ark award allows us to honor a local business that combines exceptional business practices while improving our community’s environment. Lehigh Valley Land Recycling Initiative perfectly exemplifies the intention of this award through their numerous projects and positive impact on the local environment,” says Christopher Kocher, president of Wildlands Conservancy.

The Lehigh Valley Land Recycling Initiative, part of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, carries out the mission to promote the revitalization of brownfield sites throughout Lehigh and Northampton Counties in order to protect human health and the environment, create jobs, increase local tax base, and preserve green space. LVLRI serves as an intermediary between site owners, developers, consultants, and environmental insurers with funding, technical information, and environmental work plan preparation.

“Started in 1996 as a result of a recommendation from the Urban Land Study,” explains Holly Edinger, land recycling coordinator at LVLRI, “we have assisted in over 42 projects in the Lehigh Valley area since 2000.”

Cooperative efforts are a huge part of the achievements of Wildlands Conservancy, whose mission is fulfilled by collaborating with public and private partners throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Air Products has sponsored the Ark award program for Wildlands Conservancy for seven years.

Past winners include: Agere Systems; Coca-Cola, Lehigh Valley Syrup Plant; Just Born, Inc.; PPL Corporation; Lafarge North America; and Alvin H. Butz, Inc.

For more information on Wildlands Conservancy’s Ark Award, please contact Elizabeth McKinney, development manager, at 610-965-4397, ext. 26 or send email to: emckinney@wildlandspa.org.

11/7/2008