Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem is encouraging Islanders to nominate someone in their community for the 2007 Prince Edward Island Environmental Awards. The awards, to be presented during Environment Week in June, recognize those who work to protect and enhance the Prince Edward Island environment.
“There are so many Islanders who deserve recognition – individuals who dedicate hours of volunteer time to environmental efforts, businesses that have reduced their impact on the environment, and community groups that have spearheaded environmental enhancement projects,” said Minister Ballem. “Through the Environmental Awards, the Province celebrates the tremendous contributions these people make to our quality of life in Prince Edward Island. I encourage Islanders to take the time to nominate a deserving citizen in their community.”
The deadline for nominations for the 2007 Environmental Awards is May 1. Nominations will be assessed by members of the PEI Environmental Advisory Council. To be eligible for an award, nominees must have been instrumental in:
• identifying, reducing, solving or avoiding an environmental problem;
• demonstrating consistently responsible environmental management practices; and/or
• promoting public awareness, understanding and active concern for the enhancement and protection of the environment.
The review committee will also consider the nominee’s long-term service and commitment; voluntary contributions; and innovative approach.
Last year's award recipients included Ruth Sturz who has been the driving force behind a long-term plan to beautify the West Royalty Elementary school property through the planting of native trees and shrubs; the PEI Model Forest Network Partnership for developing a positive working relationship among industry members, landowners, environmentalists, academics, tourist operators and individual Islanders with an interest in public and private forests; the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation for bringing watershed planning to the area; and Bluefield High School Student Council for carrying out the Youth Reduce: Control Our Consumption project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Nomination forms for the PEI Environmental Awards are available online at www.gov.pe.ca/go/award, or by calling the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry at (902) 368-6920.