NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, or to interview a MCWD spokesperson – please contact Julie Westerlund, MCWD Communications & Education Manager 952.471.0590 x 209/ jwesterlund@minnehahacreek.org

MCWD to Honor Watershed Heroes at Gala Event

Deephaven, MN – October 5, 2007 - On October 26, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) will honor citizens and organizations that have made significant contributions to water quality at a celebration at the Lafayette Club in Minnetonka Beach.  The Watershed Heroes ‘Blue Tie’ Gala and Fundraiser celebrates 40 years of people engaging with government to protect and improve natural resources. Citizens of the District and the public are encouraged to attend and join in this celebration.  Please visit www.minneahahacreek.org to learn more.

The MCWD sought nominations from the public and community leaders to recognize and honor seven categories of citizen engagement, ranging from individual contributions to awards for government and development. The District’s Board of Managers reviewed 25 nominations and chose the award recipients at their September 7 meeting.

One of the driving factors behind these awards is to recognize individuals and organizations that are leaders in natural resources protection and to encourage others to follow suit.  According to Jim Calkins, MCWD board president, “In order for water quality to continue to improve, we must continue to encourage local governments, businesses, citizen groups, and individuals to play a greater role in natural resource protection.  Having more citizens engaged is one of our top priorities.”

Proceeds from the event will go toward furthering the District’s work to foster citizen engagement, specifically initiatives to help in the formation of lake associations and other citizen groups. “Finding ways to help people better understand natural resources and getting them engaged in local government and natural resource protection will result in better public policy and more efficient government,” says Eric Evenson, District administrator.  “Most people care deeply about the environment, but feel powerless or underestimate their ability help shape policy and protect natural resources.  The Watershed Heroes Awards show the positive impact that anyone - from a large developer to school kids - can make.”

The 2007 Watershed Hero Award Recipients are: 

Excellence in Development: Locust Hills Development, LLC for their use of conservation design and innovative stormwater management, and for their proactive efforts to involve government agencies in the design process.

Innovation in Government Award: City of Orono for their implementation of the District’s first wetland protection ordinance in the 1980’s, and their initiative and hard work to form a partnership to acquire the Big Island property.

Outstanding Partner Award: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for partnerships with the MCWD in watershed management and water quality education, including the Spring Peeper Meadow wetland restoration, the Watershed Demonstration Parking Lot, and the Low Impact Development Conference held in 2006.

Youth Naturalist Award: Gleason Lake Environmental Ambassadors for their efforts to educate others about environmental issues through their restaurant table tent program and outreach work at community events.

Citizen Engagement Award: Nokomis East Neighborhood Association for their initiative in starting the Blue Water Partnership and for restoring the shoreline of Lake Nokomis and an adjacent prairie.

Outstanding Contribution Award: Raymond Haik, for his role in the initial development of watershed law, which led to the founding of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District forty years ago, and for his early commitment, guidance and counseling of the District through many initial projects.

Lifetime Stewardship Award: Richard G. Gray, Sr., D.Sc. and Richard S. Caldecott, Ph.D., for co-founding the Gray Freshwater Biological Institute (GFBI) and their pioneering water quality research.

“The Watershed Heroes Awards show a deep level of commitment and effort on behalf of these fine individuals and organizations.  The watershed’s citizens and natural resources have benefited enormously from their incredible passion and energies” said Calkins.

About the MCWD

Since its formation by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners in 1967, the MCWD has led the region in cutting edge research and technical expertise in the areas of water quality monitoring and management. The District protects, improves and manages water resources, runoff and related natural resources for 129 lakes, 8 major creeks and thousands of wetlands located within the 181 square mile watershed of Minnehaha Creek and Lake Minnetonka, in partnership with 29 communities, other agencies and citizens.

 

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