The Environmental Law Institute is now accepting nominations for the 2017 National Wetlands Awards to honor individuals who have excelled in wetlands protection, restoration, research or education.  Nominations are due December 21.

There are six award categories--

-- Conservation and Restoration: This award is given to an individual who has accomplished the conservation and/or restoration of significant wetland resources through the use of on-the-ground restoration, management, or conservation methods on public or private lands. For example, this may be an individual who has used an innovative approach to restore a wetland ecosystem, or someone who has contributed to the protection of a regionally significant wetland area through the use of tried-and-true conservation methods.

-- Education and Outreach: This award is presented to a teacher, nonprofit organization staffer, state/local government employee, artist/film maker, reporter, or other individual involved in hands-on wetland education. For example, this may be an inspirational educator who has developed a wetland course that brings children into the field to learn about wetland ecology.

-- Landowner Stewardship: This award is presented to a private landowner who, while using his or her private land for farming, forestry activities, ranching, or development, voluntarily helps restore, protect, or minimize impacts to wetlands. For example, this may be a farmer involved in wetland restoration or conservation on his or her land or enlisting nearby landowners in such efforts, or a residential developer who provides significant protection or restoration of wetlands associated with a subdivision. 

Please note that this Award is presented to a private landowner who is using at least part of his or her land for farming, ranching, development, etc. (i.e. entire parcel is not enrolled in a conservation program such as WRP).

-- Science Research: This award is presented to an academic, consultant, or individual leading scientific research on wetland values and functions, restoration, or enhancement. For example, this may be an individual who has spearheaded groundbreaking or influential research on wetland restoration.

-- State, Tribal, and Local Program Development: This award is given to a state, tribal, or local government employee, who has developed and administered an outstanding wetland program. For example, this may be a state government employee, who has developed a streamlined wetland regulatory program, or a local government employee, who has developed a wetland registry.

-- Wetland Community Leader: This award is given to an individual who has devoted significant time and energy to wetland protection by mobilizing concerned citizens to protect a wetland or introducing and/or spearheading the passage of wetland legislation. For example, this may be an individual who has led a coalition of citizens to work with the state transportation agency to protect a local wetland system, or a person who has spearheaded a campaign to pass state legislation to protect wetlands.

Award recipients are chosen by a diverse selection committee representing federal, state and local government, nonprofits, academia and past winners from across the country.

ELI administers the awards program for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, NOAA Marine Fisheries and the Federal Highway Administration.

For all the details, visit the ELI 2017 National Wetlands Awards webpage. Questions should be directed by email to: wetlandsawards@eli.org or call Kathryn Campbell at 202-939-3806.

(Photo: Wetlands at the NPS September 11 Memorial in Somerset County.)

[Posted Nov. 22, 2016]

11/28/2016