Barry Hicken, Minister of Environmental Resources today marked not only Environment Week but also the tenth anniversary of the Prince Edward Island Environmental Awards with the presentation of the 1996 awards to this year's recipients. Established to recognize and honour Islanders for their special commitment to the environment, awards are given annually in each of four categories, individual citizen, industry, business or government agency; citizen groups or organization; and education.
Mr. Hicken in presenting the awards noted that "This year's recipients of the Environmental Awards all display the leadership, energy and commitment needed to face the challenge of protecting our Island environment. Each in their own way have risen to this environmental challenge, and with their actions offer all Islanders a model for our own activities. We are very fortunate to have such committed individuals, businesses, educators and citizens groups working to protecting our environment and they all deserve the recognition of winning this award."
Nominated by other Islanders for their environmental efforts, the winners are selected by the PEI Environmental Advisory Council, an advisory board to the Minister of Environmental Resources.
Honoured this year for their environmental endeavours were:
Individual Citizen: James D. Gallant, Rusticoville, PEI
Business: Linkletter's Welding, Central Bedeque, PEI
Organization: Tryon River Watershed Co-op
Education: PEI 4-H Council
1996 WINNERS OF THE PEI ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS
Individual Citizen: James D. Gallant, Rusticoville, PEI
Respected Island wide for his environmental activities Mr. Gallant, has been instrumental in the development of the very successful Rustico Watershed Enhancement Project. Well known in the Rustico watershed area for his activities in restoring a semi-natural trout rearing facility, promoting wildlife nesting box projects, tree plantings, advocating action on local environmental problems and stream enhancement, he is also credited with being the spirit that motivates others to take similar projects to new heights. A retired teacher, Mr. Gallant is a long time member of the PEI Wildlife Federation and has long demonstrated a sincere commitment to preserving the environment and educating Island youth to these ideals.
Organization: Tryon River Watershed Co-op
Formed in 1992, the Tryon River Watershed Co-op has been very active in increasing awareness among landowners on the river of the need to reduce soil erosion and siltation in the watershed. The Co-op has hosted public events and educational programs dealing with both the river and neighbouring wildlife; issued newsletters to local residents informing them of their work; excavated and maintained four in-stream sediment basins; restored ponds and marsh along the river in two places; improved fish passage on the waterway; enhanced wildlife habitat for over 100 landowners with nest boxes, brush piles, small pond creation and nesting platforms; and established a driving trail with brochure on the river including the provincially significant Tryon River Salt Marsh. With the support of most landowners in the watershed and after the completion of over three years of successful field work, The Tryon River Watershed Co-op has been pivotal in the initiation of a significant and positive effect on the reduction of soil erosion and siltation in the waterway.
Business: Linkletter's Welding, Central Bedeque, PEI
With the advent of the Waste Watch waste management system in the East Prince area, businesses were challenged to find non-polluting methods of handling the waste products specific to their industry. Linkletter's Welding rose to this challenge by finding ways to manage their waste that did not cost them extra and at the same time provided a recycling opportunity for some of the former "waste" products from their metal fabrication business. These waste materials --steel scraps, paint thinners and used oil in particular are now reused. The metal pieces that are too small to use in any aspect of their own manufacturing process are stored and later picked up by a scrap metal dealer for recycling off-Island. To eliminate the problems associated with the proper disposal of paint and paint thinner, Linkletter Welding has switched to one, all-purpose recyclable liquid that replaces two different paint thinners they previously used. This new product removes the need for sandblasting and as well as being recyclable, has reduced the need for extensive clean up. With these activities Linkletter's Welding, has shown how a responsible and caring attitude to their community, their industry and the environment provides an environmental benefit for all.
Education: PEI 4-H Council
The PEI 4-H Council recently developed an "Island Wildlife Project" designed to teach 4-H members about wildlife species on the Island and the habitats they occupy. An emphasis on "first hand" learning through visits to ponds, bogs, marshes, farmlands, woodlands and streams allows the 4-H members to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. It also allows them to experience canoeing, fishing, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. Highlighting Island issues, this 4-H program differs from the generic program offered in other provinces, providing Island 4-H members and leaders an
opportunity to not only learn about Island wildlife but to also experience it. The PEI 4-H Council through this new program has the potential to motivate many young Islanders to continue a career in the wildlife field or to be environmentally conscious citizens.