MEDIA ALERT - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Julie Westerlund, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Communications Manager, 952-471-0590 x 209, jwesterlund@minnehahacreek.org
or Martin Keller, Media Savant Communications Co, 612-729-8585, mkeller@mediasavantcom.com

Calling All Watershed Heroes

MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS BY AUGUST 14; HONORING OUTSTANDING PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE IMPROVED AREA’S QUALITY OF WATER & QUALITY OF LIFE

Deephaven, MN - July 1, 2009 - On Friday, October 23, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District will host its sixth Watershed Heroes Awards ceremony to honor individuals and organizations whose efforts have notably improved the well being of the natural resources in the Minnehaha Creek watershed. The District has been recognizing Watershed Heroes since 2001 and is currently seeking nominations for its 2009 awards.

By recognizing local heroes who have positively affected natural resources, the District hopes to inspire others promote local water quality. As Eric Evenson, the District administrator has observed, “Most people care deeply about the environment, but underestimate their ability to shape policy and protect natural resources. The Watershed Heroes Awards show that anyone, from a major retailer to a volunteer lake association, can make an important difference.”

The 2008 Watershed Heroes were a diverse group of business, government, and citizen partners in clean water, including Methodist Hospital, Bachman’s, the City of Minnetonka, David Oltmans and the Friends of Diamond Lake, Sandy Colvin Roy, and Woody Love.  Visit www.minnehahacreek.org to see a full list of previous Watershed Heroes Award Winners.

For more information – and to nominate a Watershed Hero --

To nominate a Watershed Hero, contact Julie Westerlund, MCWD Education and Communications Manager, at 952-471-0590x209 or jwesterlund@minnehahacreek.org.

Please include the name of the nominee, the award category, and a brief (less than 200 words) description of the nominee's contribution or accomplishment in the following categories.

Nominations are due Friday, August 14.

Below are the seven award categories:

MCWD Watershed Heroes Award Categories and Criteria

• Excellence in Development Award

Given to a development that successfully protects water quality through the use of Low Impact Development, innovative stormwater management, and natural resource conservation techniques in the Minnehaha Creek Watershed.

• Innovation in Government Award

Given to a government body or individual that has implemented innovative policies, programs, or projects to protect and improve quality of water, quality of life in the Minnehaha Creek Watershed.

• Outstanding Partner Award

Given to an individual or group who has effectively leveraged their assets in partnership with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to achieve exceptional results in natural resource management.

• Youth Naturalist Award

Given to a young person or group of young people who have demonstrated excellent commitment to the environment.

• Citizen Engagement Award

Given to an individual or organization that effectively engaged citizen participation and initiative in efforts to improve natural resources in the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.

• Outstanding Contribution Award

Given to an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution that resulted in the protection or improvement of natural resources in the Minnehaha Creek Watershed.

• Lifetime Stewardship Award

Given to an individual who has, during his or her lifetime, played a significant and lasting role in watershed management and demonstrated leadership in natural resources stewardship.

About the MCWD

Since its formation in 1967, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District has been a leader in cutting edge research and technical expertise in water resource management. The district protects, improves and manages water resources, runoff and related natural resources for 129 lakes, eight 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 concerned citizens.

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