Islanders Honoured for Environmental Efforts

On behalf of the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation, president Paul Campbell, second right, accepts the 2006 Prince Edward Island Environmental Award. Presenting the award is Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem. Looking on are Sherra Profit, chair of the Environmental Advisory Council which judges the award nominations, and Lt.-Gov. Léonce Bernard who hosted the awards ceremony at Government House. Photo by Brian Simpson

June 7, 2006 A group of Prince Edward Island citizens were honoured for their outstanding contribution to protecting and enhancing the environment as the 2006 Prince Edward Island Environmental Awards were presented Wednesday evening. Part of Environment Week celebrations, the awards were presented by Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem during a special ceremony at Government House, hosted by Lieutenant Governor Léonce Bernard. Minister Ballem said the theme for this year's Environment Week, Taking Action for Our Environment, certainly describes this year's Environmental Award recipients. “While their contributions are varied, these Islanders are not only doing their part to protect our environment, they are spreading their message to others in their communities. Through their words and the example they set, they are encouraging others to take action for our environment. They are truly making a difference and I want to thank them all for their efforts,” he added.

Following are this year's recipients.
Ruth Sturz
PEI Model Forest Network Partnership

Souris and Area Branch, PEI Wildlife Federation:
Active in environmental enhancement efforts in Eastern Kings since 1954, the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation has been instrumental in bringing watershed planning to the Souris River. Recognizing that this is the most effective way to address water quality problems, the Branch secured funding from the Canada/PEI National Water Program to develop a watershed management plan for the river. Community involvement is the key to success in watershed planning and the Souris Area Branch has been very successful in getting the entire watershed community involved in the process.

To date, a subcommittee has been formed to oversee the development of the plan; an assessment of the river was carried out; a series of public presentations were held to educate people about the issues that challenge the river; and community members have developed a vision statement, goals, objectives and strategies.

Bluefield High School Student Council

Nominations for the Environmental Awards were received from across the province. A selection committee comprised of members of the Minister's Environmental Advisory Council had the difficult task of reviewing the nominations and recommending the recipients. Minister Ballem thanked the selection committee and all Islanders who took the time to recognize the efforts of their friends and neighbours by submitting a nomination.

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Souris Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation

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