DEP EXPANDS WATERSHED
AWARDS PROGRAM
NOMINATION FORMS AVAILABLE
New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bob Shinn today announced
that DEP is expanding its year-old watershed awards program
to include county and regional organizations.
The purpose of the awards program
is to recognize the states leaders in watershed improvement
for their innovative and exceptional achievements,
said Shinn. The work of the honorees should inspire
others to make a more vigorous commitment to watershed management.
Nomination forms will be available September
4. The submission deadline is January 12, 2002.
In addition to the newly added categories
of county and regional organizations, the awards program
covers businesses/industries, municipalities, educational
institutions and watershed groups. DEP will present three
awards for each category.
Mary Sheil, director of DEPs Division
of Watershed Management, added, Because of the positive
results of last years program, we are enthusiastic
about expanding this opportunity to broaden public support
of watershed management by showcasing the examples of the
honorees.
Segments of the watershed community will
be recognized for their exceptional achievements with emphasis
on innovation, leadership and responsibility.
The watershed management process is a holistic
approach to restoring and maintaining water quality, water
supply and ecosystem health by taking into account all potential
point and nonpoint sources of pollution, such as runoff
from roads and development, as well as pesticides and fertilizers
from landscaping and agriculture. Plans are being developed
for each of New Jerseys 20 watershed management areas.
Organizations and individuals interested
in obtaining forms or more information should contact Eileen
Thornton, awards coordinator, at 609-633-0634, (fax 609-292-0687),
or ethornto@dep.state.nj.us,
or P.O. Box 418, Trenton, NJ 08625-0418.
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