2011 Environmental Corridor Ovation Award nomination process begins

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2011 Environmental Corridor Ovation Award nomination process begins
News Release Published: February 18, 2011 by the Southeast Region

Contact(s): Mike Thompson, Environmental Analysis Team Supervisor, (414)263-8648


MILWAUKEE – You can nominate an individual or organization to receive the 2011 Philip H. Lewis, Jr., Environmental Corridor Ovation Award, or ECO Award.

The ECO Award grew out of an initiative to “Sustain, Reconnect, and Grow Environmental Corridors” (SRGE), and was created in 2006 through the efforts of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, and the Department of Natural Resources.

"This is an opportunity to acknowledge the work of an individual or organization which contributed to enhancing and expanding the environmental corridors in southeastern Wisconsin," DNR Acting Southeast Region Director John Hammen said. "DNR, SEWRPC, and MMSD value the people and partnerships which help ensure that resource rich lands and waters are preserved and protected," he said.

Dr. Philip H. Lewis, Jr. developed the visionary environmental corridor concept and was the first recipient of the ECO award in 2007. G. Andrew “Andy” Larsen received the 2008 ECO Award for his 30 years of leadership and dedication as Executive Director of the Riveredge Nature Center. The Ozaukee Washington Land Trust received the 2009 ECO Award for successful parternships that have conducted research projects, restored environmental corridors, and preserved more than 4,100 acres in the two-county area through acquisitions and easements. The Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation was last year’s recipient. Twenty supporters formed the Foundation in 1974 with the vision and goal of protecting wetlands, woodlands, and natural areas in Washington County and has protected approximately 2,500 acres of sensitive land creating a legacy of environmental corridors that will remain in a natural state for the benefit of future generations.

Interested parties can nominate an organization or person who exemplifies Dr. Lewis’ insight, leadership, and advancement of natural resource values.

The award presentation will be on Wednesday afternoon, April 20, 2011, to celebrate Earth Day at the Havenwoods State Forest and Environmental Awareness Center located at 6141 N. Hopkins Street in Milwaukee. To obtain a nomination form contact:

Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

Attention: David Schilling

DSCHILLING@SEWRPC.org

PO Box 1607

Waukesha, WI 53187

Mr. Schilling must receive nomination forms postmarked no later than Friday, March 18, 2011