Virginia Chapter Soil & Water Conservation Society 2007 Awards Nominations

Deadline for Nominations: August 15, 2007

 

The Virginia Chapter of the Soil & Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is gearing up and looking for candidates to be nominated for their 2007 Awards program. The VA Chapter is looking for input from the membership and conservation partners who may know of an individual or group that can be recognize for outstanding conservation work here in Virginia. The winners will be honored during the fall VA Chapter SWCS Annual Meeting. The Awards are in the following categories:

 

 

  1. Outstanding Service Award is given to Society members in recognition of distinguished service in helping the Society to develop and carry out its program over a long and sustained period of time. Accomplishments of the nominee should not be of a scope or significance warranting the degree of Fellow, but should be greater than those required for the Commendation Award.  (Minimum of 10 years membership in SWCS). 

 

  1. Honor Award recognizes people, usually nonmembers of the Society or lay members of the Society, for outstanding accomplishments compatible with the mission of the Society. (for members and non-members).

 

  1. Merit Award is given in recognition of an outstanding activity, product, or service by a group, business firm, corporation, or organization that promotes the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources. (for members and non-members).

 

  1. Commendation Award gives international recognition to Society members for service to their chapter or council of chapters. (for members)

  1. June Sekoll Media Award is for an individual or group that writes or produces materials for radio, television, newspapers, magazines, or organizational publications, which significantly increase public understanding and promote wise use of Virginia's natural resources.  (for members and non-members).

 

  1. Conservationist of the Year Award is for exceptional service in advancing the science and art of good land and water use.   Service may be in practicing, investigating, administering, or teaching soil and water conservation or closely related fields (for members and non-members). 

  

  1. Ecological Excellence Award for Design and Ecological Excellence Award for Construction - $500 Cash Award for each sponsored by Pinelands Nursery and the Virginia Chapter of the Soil & Water Conservation Society (SWCS). 

 

i.      The Design Award will be given to a landscape architect, engineering design, or environmental consulting firm for excellence in the design of an ecological restoration project, unique soil and water conservation stabilization project, or innovative habitat development or enhancement project. The use of native plants should be stressed in the design as well as innovative techniques to achieve ecological functions.  (for members and non-members)

 

ii.         The Construction Award will be given to an individual contractor or construction company for excellence in the construction of an ecological restoration project, unique soil and water conservation stabilization project, or innovative habitat development or enhancement project.    (for members and non-members) 

 

iii.        Criteria are similar for both awards and are as follows: 

 

1.  The project must be completed and functioning.

2. The project must be in Virginia.

3. Nominees may include firms from outside of Virginia. 

 

NOTE:  Acceptable projects include: ecological restoration projects such as wetland, riparian or upland restoration or enhancement, reforestation or similar projects; unique soil and water conservation or stabilization projects; and unique fish or wildlife habitat development or enhancement projects.  Evaluation criteria includes: use of new or innovative techniques, use of native plant materials, educational value to the public and the ecological restoration community, and opportunity for this technology to be used elsewhere.

 

Click HERE to obtain nomination forms for the 2007 awards or please contact me (Kilby) to request the appropriate nomination form(s). 

 

The nomination forms can be sent to the following location:

 

Kilby D. Majette

kilby.majette@va.usda.gov

2502 New Kent Hwy

P. O. Box 190

Quinton, VA  23141 – 0190

(804) 932 – 4376   (804) 932 -3438 fax

 

Start the nomination process today.  Think of who’s doing a terrific job in conservation.   Call, fax, write, or e-mail Kilby and help SWCS bestow an honor on someone you know.