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 are due October 31.

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, 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, Fish and Boat Commission, PO Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000.

9/28/2007