Minister of Environment Chester Gillan marked the start of Environment Week Monday by recognizing several Islanders who have made an outstanding contribution to protecting and enhancing the environment.
The 2003 Prince Edward Island Environmental Awards were presented during a special ceremony at Government House Monday evening. The awards, recognizing the environmental efforts of individuals, businesses, educators and citizen groups, are presented in five categories. This year, the following Islanders were honoured:
• Individual Citizen, recognizing exemplary efforts by Island citizens to protect, preserve or enhance the environment: Everett and Betty Howatt.
• Business or Government Agency, recognizing organizations that provide services, products or labour that have low environmental impact and act as a model for sustainable economic activity: Agri-Conservation Clubs East and West.
• Citizen Group or Organization, recognizing grassroots groups that make a special commitment to PEI's environment: Morell River Management Co-op.
• Education, recognizing outstanding environmental efforts by groups or individuals in the areas of academia or public education: Dr. Ian MacQuarrie.
• Youth, recognizing individuals under the age of 25 who have made an outstanding contribution to a healthy environment: Sarah Field.
"This year's recipients are certainly a diverse group, and their contributions are varied," said Minister Gillan. "However, they do share one thing – a love of the Island environment and a commitment to do their part to protect and preserve this beautiful environment. They have made this a priority in their daily lives. I sincerely thank them for their dedication."
Nominations for the Environmental Awards were received from across the province. A selection committee comprised of members of the Minister's Environmental Advisory Council had the difficult task of reviewing the nominations and recommending the recipients. Minister Gillan thanked the selection committee and recognized all of this year's nominees for their efforts.
"The calibre of nominations was outstanding. It is truly encouraging to know that so many Islanders are dedicated to protecting and improving our environment," he said. "I want to thank the nominees and the many other Island citizens who take action each and every day to protect our environment."
BACKGROUNDER
Profile of 2003 Award Recipients
Individual Citizens: Everett and Betty Howatt.
Models of environmental stewardship, Tryon residents Everett and Betty Howatt are keenly interested in local history, the river and watershed, and Island issues. Mr. Howatt was planting trees around his orchard and fields to create windbreaks and habitat for wildlife back in the 1970s, and planted buffer zones of trees and native shrubs along the river long before it was legislated. Mrs. Howatt farms with her husband, sharing the work, the planning and the harvest. She has added an educational dimension to their contribution to stewardship, using her regular segment on CBC Radio to share stories of gardening, wildlife and other interesting information acquired in a lifetime of living close to the land.
Business or Government Agency: Agri-Conservation Clubs East and West.
Formed just over a year ago, the Agri-Conservation Clubs East and West Clubs have been so successful in attracting members that there is a waiting list to join. Based on a farmer-driven stewardship model, both clubs are introducing innovative sustainable farming practices and promoting existing practices that are more environmentally friendly. Two major efforts the clubs have undertaken are the implementation of environmental farm plans and nutrient management plans, both of which are essential if PEI is to minimize the environmental impact from agriculture.
Education: Ian MacQuarrie.
Active in environmental and heritage protection in Prince Edward Island, Ian MacQuarrie of Hazel Grove inspired students to do the same through his career as professor at St. Dunstan's University and UPEI. His students have gone on to excel in research and environmental activism, work in governments and teach in universities and schools throughout the world. Among his other contributions, Dr. MacQuarrie was the founding president of the Island Nature Trust, is a past chair of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, and author of numerous articles and a book entitled, "The Bonshaw Hills." He currently serves as chair of the Public Forest Council which is seeking public input regarding non-timber uses of forested land owned by the Province.
Citizen Group or Organization: Morell River Management Co-op.
The Morell River Management Co-op has devoted itself to the enhancement of the Morell River system and the surrounding environment for the past two decades. When it started, there was not a countable population of salmon returning to the river, and its banks and the surrounding environment were in a state of degradation. Today, the river has been restored as one of the Island's leading recreational rivers and was recently rated as one of the top 50 trout fishing rivers of Canada. In addition to its work to maintain the river, the management co-op has an active education campaign with visiting tours of up to 1,000 youngsters a year, school children who receive a strong conservation message.
Youth: Sarah Field.
A graduate student at UPEI, Sarah Field is working toward her Masters of Biology degree. Her research on the home range and behaviour of coyotes in Prince Edward Island will help determine the most effective management strategies. Ms. Field has been active in making her findings known to other researchers and the general public, encouraging a better appreciation of coyote biology and behavior and dispelling negative impressions of coyotes. In other conservation efforts, she has served on the executive committee of the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation and was an organizer for the 2001 Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network conference in Charlottetown.