Last week the Pennsylvania Environmental Council announced the winners of the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards Program which were included in the last Digest. But, the finalists selected in that program also deserve recognition of their good work.

The Digest will publish articles on two of the finalists over the next two weeks to help inspire others to take positive action to improve Pennsylvania’s environment.

The Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Dominion, celebrate the achievements of nonprofit organizations, businesses, schools, individuals, governments, and community groups that have made significant environmental contributions in the western Pennsylvania region.

Dennis Tubbs, Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

Dennis Tubbs represents what is possible when an individual chooses to share his knowledge and expertise with the public and make positive changes in attitudes towards the environment.

As an Aquatic Resources Specialist for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Denny continuously finds ways to educate, demonstrate, and facilitate the process of bringing the Three Rivers to the forefront as a place to experience, enjoy, and protect.

Some of Denny’s many contributions to southwestern Pennsylvania include:

• Reaching thousands of children and adults through PFBC educational programs,

• Supporting Venture Outdoors programs,

• Public speaking at River Dialogues and DEP Riverboat Tours,

• Assisting in bringing the Bass Masters Classic to Pittsburgh,

• Providing fishing workshops for thousands of youth, and

• Raising awareness about the improved health and diversity of the Three Rivers.

Denny’s vision and passion for educating and getting people onto the water results in positive experiences that in turn allow people to become ambassadors of aquatic resources.

Pennsylvania CleanWays Westmoreland County

Now in its 15th year, PA CleanWays Westmoreland County has worked to clean up the environment, educate the public about the benefits of a clean environment, and institute programs that help keep Westmoreland County free of trash and litter.

Their programs include volunteer cleanups of illegal dumpsites, road adoptions, education, “fugitive tire program,” county recycling coordination, residential paper recycling, hard-to-recycle collection events, and Christmas tree recycling.

In 2004, PA CleanWays:

· Organized 7 volunteer cleanups that removed 94.5 tons of trash and 6,298 tires,

· Gave 27 presentations to more than 4,000 students and residents,

· Engaged 13 youth groups in the “Fugitive Tire Program,” collecting 4,700 tires,

· Worked with municipalities in establishing and improving recycling programs,

· Assisted in the clean up of a soon-to-be 5-mile rail trail, and

· Collected 251 lead acid batteries, 272 freon appliances, 131 non-freon appliances, 162

· cubic yards of scrap metal, more than 2,000 Christmas trees, 41,230 pounds of household

· hazardous waste, 84,455 pounds of electronic equipment, and 2,561 tons of paper.

6/3/2005