The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association is now accepting nominations for its the 2nd Annual Government Leadership Awards.

The deadline for entries is February 1, 2008.

PALTA is soliciting nominations to honor Pennsylvania municipalities and counties that have demonstrated leadership and success in the conservation of special places and landscapes.

Any municipal or county government that has demonstrated leadership and vision in a process that has resulted or will result in the conservation of open space is eligible. Recognition may be based on the work of a government, multi-government partnership, commission or board, but must be sanctioned by the governing body or bodies.

Awards will be based on the ability to demonstrate successful efforts through one of the following categories:

· Land Conservation Through Innovative Land Use Planning & Regulations;

· Exemplary development and use of natural resource protection-based land use tools in order to conserve land. Examples include adopted, enacted, or (ideally) implemented/ applied: zoning, subdivision and land development and other land use ordinances; open space plans; and comprehensive plans. Applicants should illustrate how these tools have been or will be implemented;

· Land Conservation Through Acquisition; and/or

· Successful endeavors that have resulted in the permanent protection of natural resources. Examples include: innovative protection strategies; strategic land acquisition or easement programs; and open space referenda.

More information is available on the PLTA Government Leadership Award webpage.

9/28/2007