Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton this week announced winners of the 2004 National Take Pride in America Awards. Two of the awards went to Pennsylvania groups-- the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition, in Cranberry Township, PA is a winner in the public/private partnership category and the Presque Isle State Park Volunteers in Erie, PA in the Local Government Category.

This same award was won last year by the Pymatuning Lake Association in Espyville, PA and the Wally Byam Caravan Club International from Camp Hill, PA.

Presented annually, Take Pride in America’s national awards recognize outstanding volunteer projects and efforts in a variety of categories. Winners announced this week represent nine categories, with winners in other categories, including Corporate, Federal Land Manager and Outstanding Take Pride Partner, to be announced in September.

“The cornerstone of Take Pride is the belief that individuals need to be engaged to take responsibility for improving their community environment,” Norton said. “At Interior we call it ‘cooperative conservation,’ and Take Pride’s award-winning volunteers are helping to turn this philosophy into action.”

"Take Pride in America has grown by leaps and bounds, and I'm delighted at the number of nominations received for this year's awards program," said Marti Allbright, Take Pride in America executive director. "The 2004 winners certainly represent the best of our nation's public stewardship."

All award winners will be honored at a September 21 ceremony in Washington,

8/27/2004