MEDIA NOTICE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Julie Westerlund, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
952-471-0590x209/jwesterlund@minnehahacreek.org

Watershed Heroes to be Honored at Second Annual Awards Event

MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS BY JULY 30; HONORING OUTSTANDING PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE IMPROVED AREA’S QUALITY OF  WATER & QUALITY OF LIFE

DEEPHAVEN, MINN., – July 8, 2008 – The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is again looking for those outstanding individuals, organizations, developers, youth and government  who have made significant contributions to “improving quality of water and quality of life” in the watershed during the past 41 years. Nominations in the following seven categories listed below are open until July 30, 2008.

The selected honorees will be awarded “Watershed Heroes Awards” for their significant contributions on Friday, September  26, at The BayView Events Center in Excelsior (687 Excelsior Blvd. Excelsior, MN 55331 ), with an awards ceremony, co-sponsored by Leinenkugel’s Beer, a primary MCWD community partner for 2008 in recognizing the value of protected water quality and its many benefits.

“We know there are many unsung heroes throughout the watershed’s 181 square miles, 27 cities and two, townships, “ says Julie Westerlund, MCWD Education and Communications Manager. “And we want to recognize their contributions while also helping the MCWD celebrate their achievements among their peers, invited guests, the MCWD board and staff.” Westerlund adds that “we need the public’s help to identify and honor true Watershed Heroes — those community members that have done great things for the district's water resources.”  

For a list of previous Watershed Heroes, please see: http://www.minnehahacreek.org/WatershedHeroesAwards.php

For more information – and to nominate a Watershed Hero -- please contact Julie Westerlund, MCWD Education and Communications Manager, at 952-471-0590x209 or jwesterlund@minnehahacreek.org

To Make A Watershed Hero Nomination:

Please submit the name of the nominee, the award category, and a brief (less than 200 words) description of the nominee's contribution or accomplishment to jwesterlund@minnehahacreek.org.

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 MCWD has been a regional leader 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 concerned citizens.

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