The Northeast Environmental Partnership recognized the accomplishments of seven individuals and organizations as part of its annual awards dinner this week. The award winners include:

William D. Lange, Lackawanna County, received the Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership, for his work with the State Conservation Commission and the National Association of Conservation Districts where he made significant contributions to supporting programs for cleaning up abandoned mines and developing public/private partnerships as chairman of the Lackawanna County Conservation District and a 22 year member of the Conservation Commission.

Annual Northeast Regional Contractors/Engineers Workshop which for 12 years has served as an educational forum for those involved in development activities to improve their environmental protection skills and techniques in the public and private sector.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation for promoting its Habitat Stewardship Program which provides incentives to agricultural producers to restore stream corridors and wetlands.

Ernest Keller, Lackawanna County, who as District Manager for the Lackawanna County Conservation District has established partnerships with landowners and regional organizations to help mitigate and reduce pollution entering waterways and assists forest landowners through educational activities and promotion of sustainable forest management.

Monroe County Municipal Waste Management Authority for its programs to expand recycling and waste reduction in Monroe County and building partnerships with a variety of organizations and agencies to develop self-sustaining programs like Christmas tree, phone book and electronics recycling.

Northern Tier Coalition, Susquehanna County, recognizing the joint efforts of 12 municipalities to plan for future growth and development in their communities, including housing, transportation, economic development, agricultural and rural use, health and education, recreation and conservation of natural resources.

Pike Conservation Partnership, Pike County, for its efforts to bring together local conservation groups, public officials and residents through workshops and educational programs that encourage long-term, smart growth strategies for development and conservation.

Paul W. Snyder, Monroe County, for his efforts as part of the Tobyhanna Creek/Tuckhannock Creek Watershed Association’s Stream Watch Volunteer Water Monitoring Program, macro invertebrate assessment, and work with The Nature Conservancy’s Legal Preserve Monitoring Program as well as advising Monroe County on implementing the $25 million Open Space Fund.

Wyoming Valley Wellness Trails Partnership, Luzerne County, was recognized for its efforts to promote the use of recreational trails throughout the county to promote healthy living and for hosting the “Creating Active Community Environments” mini-conference.

For more information on the Northeast Environmental Partnership, contact Julie McMonagle, Director Pennsylvania Environmental Council Northeast Office, 570-718-6507 or send email to Julie@pecnepa.org .

10/21/2005