Hunting, fishing and conservation go hand in hand. To recognize people they deem “Heroes of Green,” the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show presented by Chevrolet, awarded ten people with $100 in Sports Show Spending Cash for their work in conservation.

The 10 winners will also have their winning ideas displayed at the Chevrolet booth in the Fishing Hall at the 2008 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, February 2-10, State Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.

Six of the winners were from Pennsylvania:

Corey N. Miller, Reading, Pa: Corey Miller and his father take the time to remove dumped materials, including metal and broken glass to prevent contamination of a small creek that area wildlife uses as a water source.

They have also built an environmentally friendly tree stand that uses engineering principles to support the platform without putting any type of fasteners into the tree itself. They also prune and care for six overgrown apple trees that now produce twice as many apples each year solely for wildlife consumption.

Ralph Martone, New Castle, Pa: Ralph Martone is the advisor for the Shenango High School Conservation Club. The students in the club work with the Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission on projects including tree pruning and planting, habitat improvements, planting food plots, stream improvements and the stocking of trout.

Mike Miller, Holtwood, Pa: For the last few years, Mike Holt has been working with young people from his neighborhood picking up trash, addressing erosion issues and seeing how others are impacting the area in a positive manner. They talk to others about methods of conservation and the young people exhibit enthusiasm for conservation.

“We are hardly changing the world, but we may be making a difference a little at a time,” said Miller.

Don Bashore, Mifflintown, Pa: Don Bashore is a charter member of the Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Federation and the Shade Mountain Chapter that holds youth field days to train youth in conservation, plant trees and cut browse.

Bashore is a regional director for the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts and the Juniata County Conservation District where he helps with the Youth Envirothon and promotes best management practices to conserve our natural resources and preserve land for future generations.

Kevin Gray, Duncannon, Pa: Kevin Gray is Advancement Chairman of The Duncannon Boy Scout Troop 64 that started recycling for the War effort in the 1940’s—a recycling program that continues today.

The scout troop’s commitment to the environment is strong and growing. They maintain the only county curbside pickup and a drop-off center. This program sees the appropriate recycling of approximately 100 tons of material annually. The Scouts participate in the Perry County recycling program once a month and assist the borough in reducing the amount of waste hauled to landfills.

Carla Wehler, St. Mary, Pa: As an avid outdoor lover, Carla Wehler volunteers with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to help conserve habitat for not only Pennsylvania’s elk, but all species. She also promotes hunting and conservation to area youth by donating items to youth groups and archery organizations that are mentoring young people.

For more information, visit the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show website.

NewsClip: Outdoor Show Honors Conservation Boosters

2/8/2008