NLIS 5 June 2, 2003 (Environment ) 14th annual Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards presented The 14th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards were announced today during a ceremony at the Fluvarium in St. John�s. Bob Mercer, Minister of Environment, Joan MacNeill, president, Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes (NLWI), and Gordon Seabright, chairman, Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), participated in the awards presentation. The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards Program is a joint initiative of the Department of Environment, NLWI and MMSB. The program was established to create public awareness about the environment and to acknowledge the proactive environmental actions being taken by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The object of the awards is to highlight the contributions people are making to create a healthier environment, and through their efforts, encourage others to do the same. The program has grown and developed over the last 14 years and it is now an integral part of the province�s Environment Week celebrations. "This year�s award winners are great role models for us," said Minister Mercer. "Through their initiative, hard work and commitment, they have shown that people can make a positive difference to the environment. I extend sincere congratulations to the 2003 award winners, and encourage them to keep up the great work." The awards are presented each year to individuals and groups who make an exceptional effort to protect and conserve the environment and to help promote and encourage environmentally friendly practices. Awards are presented in seven categories and this year�s winners are:
"As proud partners in the provincial environmental awards program, The Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes congratulates this year�s winners," said Ms. MacNeill. "Many individuals and groups were nominated for an award and this shows the pride that our citizens have in their environment." "It is with great pleasure that we honour these individuals, businesses, schools, and youth at today's Environmental Awards Ceremony. I applaud their dedication and commitment to the environment and encourage others to follow their example," said Gordon Seabright. Media contact:
Environmental Awards - 2003 INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY His accomplishments in this regard are very
impressive.
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY Mike Kehoe, a St. John�s taxi driver, was picking up a mother and daughter at a city hotel; as he placed their luggage in the trunk of his cab, a cloud of exhaust surrounded both him and his customers. The little girl�s reaction was to look up at Mike and ask, "What are you people doing to my environment?" From that event came the formation of STEER, Smart Taxis Encouraging Environmental Respect, an organization recognized by the Partners for Climate Protection Newsletter published by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Peace and Environment Resource Centre, and others. Spurred on by Mike�s efforts, the St. John�s Taxi Industry formed a partnership with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the City of St. John�s, the Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association to create a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing harmful vehicle emissions. The goals of the organization are, amongst other things, to develop for the taxi industry an education program outlining the issues surrounding greenhouse gas emissions. To this effect they have conducted a series of workshops. COMMUNITY GROUP OR ORGANIZATION CATEGORY In the 1980s there was a noticeable decline in the number and diversity of North American wildlife species. A decline which can be directly attributed to the loss of natural habitats as a result of urban, industrial and agricultural expansion. In Stephenville they have reversed this trend. As many of you are already aware, the wetlands and surrounding forest of Stephenville Crossing provide a stage for spring and fall migration of over 147 species of birds. The birds that find their way through this area range from the seven-eight ft. wingspan of the bald eagle to the tiny three-inch wingspan of the ruby throated humming bird. Several birds on Canada�s endangered species list can be seen there; in 2000 the northern shovler and Eurasian widgeon were added and in 2001 the Atlantic puffin. As a note of interest this past summer the piping plover nested there and raised four young. The piping plover is on the Canadian list of endangered species. The banded killifish, also on Canada�s endangered species is also a rare addition. EDUCATOR CATEGORY Since 1991 the Girl Guides of Canada in Newfoundland and Labrador have undertaken Water for Tomorrow Projects and have consistently for over a decade organized events for World Water Day and Drinking Water Week. They have also developed a mascot for Water for Tomorrow Holly Heron and Holly even has an e-mail address. The e-mail address has been promoted nationally and internationally recently through UNESCO�S International Year of Freshwater with responses coming from all continents. While Water for Tomorrow is a national initiative it is here in this province, through the leadership of Karen Moore, volunteer program director for the Girl Guides in Newfoundland and Labrador and Deborah Smith, volunteer co-ordinator for Water for Tomorrow program that the program has been most effective. With the declaration of the UN�s International Year of Fresh Water 2003, Karen and Deborah have demonstrated their interest and commitment to this environmental issue by developing a new badge for the Girl Guides of Canada "Water Year 2003 Badge" - a challenge program for all ages of the guiding movement. This year it is anticipated that over 10,000 members of the Girl Guides across Canada will proudly display the appropriate crest. These leaders have involved key partners to make this UN Year of Fresh Water a significant year, they have partnered with other provincial organizations, culminating in Drinking Water Week May 4-10, 2003. From May to September, in partnership with Parks Canada, launch a new program interpretation available to summer camps, and, in October, the Atlantic Canada Section of American Waterworks Association Conference in St. John�s will feature the International Year of Fresh Water Posters. YOUTH CATEGORY It is a way for cadets in their home communities to become involved and committed and help foster a sense of pride in their community and ultimately their country. The project was the brainchild of Lieutenant-Colonel Tom McGrath (area cadet instructor army, Newfoundland and Labrador) and was established as a province-wide initiative in 1991. Each year the cadets focus on a variety of causes, including stabilizing streams and riverbanks, preserving historical properties, enhancing parks and trails, and planting trees. The cadet movement is committed to the protection and preservation of the environment. Cadets Caring for Canada is the first of the Cadet Millennium projects in protecting our environment today so we can continue to be proud of this land of ours tomorrow. YOUTH CATEGORY Recently they attended a meeting of the Spaniard�s Bay Environment Committee giving an overview of their activities and a slide presentation to put a visual picture on their activities. Their enthusiasm and sense of purpose and direction was contagious. Gaia Environmental Group is to be commended for persuading the necessary people to purchase a Biogreen Septic System. This biological treatment system will replace the current septic system, which will in turn send clean effluent into the estuary rather than contaminated water. The sewage treatment system is attached to Ascension Collegiate but it affects the Shearstown estuary. They are involved in the mentoring program with Ocean Net. As the last junior chapter to join in 2002 they are mentors to the newest chapter, which is Poseidon group of Baccalieu Collegiate. The Gaia group is putting together a comprehensive package which will be delivered to feeder schools in this area telling them about their projects. They are also working on a brochure on how to get started and tips on organizing. Last, but not least, they are working on their own Web site to be accessed through the Ascension school�s home page. SCHOOL CATEGORY
We have to thank Ken Hannaford, project coordinator, for his expertise, inspired guidance and infectious enthusiasm. A combination that obviously produces results to be proud of. They are now moving into the phase to focus on habitat enhancement, water conservation and the development of outdoor classrooms. SCHOOL CATEGORY Each year, the program has expanded, incorporating new ideas and initiatives. The support of the program has expanded from the students, to their families and now encompasses the community at large. The Green Team, which used to meet for a few hours after school, has now turned into a full day project as recycling amounts grow. Their clean-up efforts have now gone outside the school property and planning is in place for a clean-up project of local walking trails in the town. As well, in partnership with the local newspaper, the school collects all their excess papers weekly for recycling and the school actively keeps the public informed of its recycling efforts through newspaper articles and community radio/internet events. MUNICIPALITY CATEGORY Where there was once 10 communities each operating their own waste disposal sites, now there is one. With focus and dedication and a desire to succeed, they are now operating a controlled uncontained waste management site, that has been designed by professional engineers. The site is complete with a monitoring system. The Green Bay Waste Authority now employs five staff members, one compactor, one 60/40 split recycling truck, one truck loader compactor and a fully equipped office and garage. The Green Bay Waste Authority serves the communities of Brighton, Triton, Pilley�s Island, Port Anson, Mites Cove, Roberts Arm, South Brook, Springdale, Rattling Brook and Sheppardville. MUNICIPALITY CATEGORY
Many of the areas targeted by the Town of Conception Bay South are also being undertaken in other communities, but the Town of CBS was recognized for the diversity of its programs, their duration, the town�s efforts to expand on previous programs and successes and their attempts to educate their citizens. BUSINESS CATEGORY Their 12-point environmental program is producing results and here are some of the highlights:
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