NEWS RELEASE

August 26, 2011

Contact: 

Telly Mamayek, Communications Manager 
952-641-4508; tmamayek@minnehahacreek.org

MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT ANNOUNCES 2010 WATERSHED HEROES AWARD RECIPIENTS
"Heroes” to be Honored at October 8 Ceremony

Deephaven, MN – August 26, 2010 - On October 8, 2010, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) will honor citizens and organizations having made significant contributions to water quality at its annual “Watershed Heroes” celebration. “Much of our work at the District is about educating the public that improving water quality is everyone’s responsibility, and the Watershed Heroes are prime examples of how people are involved at all levels within the community,”said Jim Calkins, MCWD board president. 

MCWD honors recipients in several different categories because there are so many ways that people can contribute to the health of the watershed.  “We believe that everyone values our water resources in some way. The Watershed Heroes Awards provide recognition that whatever channels you have access to – whether you work with local government, for a private firm, or are a local resident – it’s possible for you to make a difference,” said Eric Evenson, District Administrator.

The public is encouraged to attend and join in this celebration. Tickets are $35 and must be reserved in advance, prior to September 24. The event ceremony will take place at BayView Events Center in Excelsior. Please visitwww.minnehahacreek.org to learn more.

The 2010 Watershed Hero Award Recipients:

Excellence in Development Award: Duke Realty

Duke Realty installed innovative runoff-reducing features on the West End development in St. Louis Park to substantially decrease pollutant-laden runoff, which will result in improved water quality downstream. 

Innovation in Government Award: City of Minneapolis

Minneapolis’ Sustainability Initiative links health, economy, and the environment by targeting key areas and creating interdepartmental teams to develop creative approaches to problem solving. The City has made water quality an important priority and has demonstrated leadership through aggressive goals and actions.

Outstanding Partner Award: Tina Plant of Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies and the Go Blue! Team

Tina spearheaded the Go Blue! Diamond Lake Community Makeover project, bringing together community, business, and government partners in an effort to improve water quality by providing grant-funded clean water project opportunities to Diamond Lake neighbors.  

Citizen Engagement Award: Metro Blooms

Metro Blooms strengthens communities by promoting eco-friendly gardening that beautifies neighborhoods and protects their environment. Through education and technical assistance, they empower citizens to take action for clean water by building raingardens and other clean water landscape features.

Outstanding Contribution: Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Rule Making Task Force 

This citizen-based group spent considerable time and effort – more than the process required by law – to shape rule language that provides greater natural resource protection and streamlined regulatory administration in a cost-effective and reasonable way.

Lifetime Stewardship: Ginny Black, Plymouth, MN 

Ginny has served 15 years on the Plymouth City Council, supporting sustainable practices at city hall and throughout the community. Ginny promotes clean water, recycling, and green building through increasing community awareness and promoting real change. In addition to her professional career as organics recycling coordinator at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,Ginny has served on the MCWD’s Rule Making Task Force and as the council liaison to the Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee.

Learn about the Watershed Heroes Awards Criteria and past Watershed Heroes Award recipients by visitinghttp://www.minnehahacreek.org/WatershedHeroesAwards.php

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District                            

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District covers approximately 181 square miles, including Minnehaha Creek, Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Falls. The District is charged by state law to protect, improve and manage water resources. It does so through scientific research and monitoring, public education, cost-share grant programs, permitting and collaborative efforts with the 27 cities, two townships and two counties (Hennepin and Carver) that are in the District. For more information, visit www.minnehahacreek.org.