Ralph W. Abele

The Fish and Boat Commission is seeking nominations for two awards it presents in recognition of those making outstanding contributions to furthering conservation or facilitating recreational access to the state’s waterways.

Nominations should be postmarked no later than October 14.

The Ralph W. Abele Conservation Heritage Award is the highest recognition the PFBC confers. The PFBC established the Abele Award to recognize citizens of Pennsylvania who have made outstanding contributions to the protection, conservation and enhancement of the aquatic resources of the Commonwealth.

The award serves as a memorial to Ralph Abele, longtime Commission Executive Director, for his steadfast and courageous work in protecting and conserving our natural resources.

The Abele Award is presented to a Pennsylvanian who has dedicated his or her time and energy to the conservation of the state's natural resources, specifically the aquatic resources, through one or more of the following accomplishments:

· Personally invested heavily in the long-term education of Pennsylvania's youth on conservation issues vital to an improved aquatic environment;

· Put at risk their person and livelihood to undertake public activities and positions on behalf of improving and protecting the aquatic resources of Pennsylvania;

· Led a regional or statewide environmental effort that has been recognized for its duration and success in protecting and enhancing the aquatic resources of Pennsylvania;

· Played a leading role in reclaiming and enhancing a major significant natural water resource within the Commonwealth;

· Led an effort to pass major environmental legislation for the protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural environment of Pennsylvania; and

· Brought national recognition to Pennsylvania through personal activities, actions and contributions to the aquatic resources.

The Paul J. Mahon Access for All Award Program was created earlier this year to recognize the outstanding efforts of former Commissioner Paul Mahon to ensure accessibility to the state’s waterways for all individuals interested in fishing and boating, regardless of physical ability.

The award is intended to recognize Pennsylvania citizens or organizations who have made outstanding contributions, above and beyond legal requirements, to improving fishing and boat access to the resource for the disabled.

Nominees should meet one or more of the following requirements:

· Been personally involved in the provision of angling or boating activities that directly support the recreational needs of the disabled;

· Led a regional or statewide effort to improve access to angling and boating resources by the disabled;

· Played a lead role in the development and construction of a major facility for disabled anglers and/or boaters;

· Significantly improved or enhanced the quality of the angling and boating experience in ways that make a substantial difference for persons with a disability; and

· Worked passionately and selflessly, over an extended period of time, to improve recreational use of Pennsylvania waters on behalf of the disabled angler and boater.

The nominations for either award should describe, in a maximum of three typewritten pages, the following: biographical Information, how the nominee meets the categories for recognition, specific accomplishments of the nominee, affiliations of the nominee and additional information to warrant award of this honor.

Submission of letters supporting the nomination or other endorsements of a nominee is not part of the nomination process for either award.

Employees and active Commissioners of the Fish and Boat Commission are not eligible for this award, but they are encouraged to submit nominations.

Nominations should be submitted to Executive Office, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, PO Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000.

Session Schedule

The Senate returns to session September 19 and the House on September 25.

On the Hill

· On the Senate/House Agenda

· Action in Senate/House

· House Environmental Committee Information Meeting on Mercury Emissions Set

· House Agriculture to Hold Information Meeting on Conservation Tax Credit Bill

Other News

· Projects to Protect Non-Game Species, Habitats Funded

· Bat Hibernating Sites Off-limits to Forbes State Forest Visitors

· Wild Resource Conservation Fund’s New Keystone Wild! Notes Now Online

· PA Invasive Species Council Again Seeks Input on Developing Management Plan

· Group Monitors the Affects of Tropical Storm Ernesto on Local Streams

· Abandoned Mine Posts Newsletter Now Available to Watershed Groups

· 3 Wonders of Wetlands Workshops Planned in Lancaster, Philadelphia

· Visions of the Susquehanna Art Exhibit to Be Featured October 12-December 31

· Small Business P2E2 Grants Awarded, Deadline to Apply December 15

· Municipal Energy Workshop Set for October in Williamsport

· EPA Announces Proposed Plan to Increase Renewable Transportation Fuels

· Alternative Fuels Council Sponsors Business Roundtable Event September 14

· Green Building Workshop Set for DEP’s Cambria Office September 19

· Grant to Help Protect Forested Areas Near Pinchot’s Grey Towers

· Teachers, Students - Look for Environmental Question of the Week!

· Game Commission Youth Essay Contest Deadline October 31

· Melissa Reynolds Hired as Education Program Coordinator at PCEE

· September Issue of EE Connections Newsletter Available from PCEE

· PA Student Wins National Take A Walk Butterfly Drawing Contest

· Scholars to Address Latest Climate Change Science October 5

· Casting Call: Explore PA TV Show Seeks Real People to Star in Travel Series

· Help Wanted: Audubon Seeks Associates for Several Positions

· Transition: Joseph J. Ellam Passes

Feature

· Pennsylvania’s Wildlife Action Plan Praised, By Joe Kosack, Game Commission

We Remember – September 11, 2001

· DEP Responds to National Tragedy

Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page

9/8/2006