ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION PRESENTS
THE 2005 TENNESSEE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARDS
Tennessee Partners Project Wins Excellence in Agriculture and Forestry Award
Nashville, Tenn. - Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke presented the Excellence Agriculture and Forestry Award to the Tennessee Partners Project today in a ceremony honoring the winners of the 2005 Tennessee Environmental Stewardship Awards.
The Tennessee Partners Project is a cooperative effort between the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Ducks Unlimited, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service. The Jackson, Tenn., program, which began in 1993 as part of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, provides private landowners in west Tennessee with water control structures and technical assistance to design and install waterfowl impoundments that improve water quality by reducing the use of pesticides and the runoff of fertilizer-laden silt.
“Today’s honorees demonstrate how individuals and organizations large and small can really make a difference and help assure the quality of life we all want and expect in Tennessee,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “I want to express my congratulations to each of these environmental leaders and express my thanks for their commitment to pollution prevention and stewardship of our natural resources.”
The Tennessee Partners Project estimates that approximately 360,000 tons of soil has been kept in the field and out of surface water since the program’s inception. The partnership started with $35,000 and nine land owners in its first year, putting 350 acres under contract. Since then the program has grown to include 290 landowners and 12,000 acres and technical assistance has been provided on an additional 38,000 acres. The Tennessee Partners Project also provides information brochures, classes, demonstrations and public presentations to interested individuals, soil conservation districts, and other agricultural and wildlife groups.
Tim Willis, a biologist with Ducks Unlimited, and Doug Taylor, west Tennessee regional administrator for the Department of Agriculture, attended the awards ceremony at the Adventure Science Center in Nashville, joining other individuals, community organizations, businesses and government agencies whose achievements were recognized for their stewardship of Tennessee’s natural resources.
“We all have an important role to play in creating cleaner air, purer water and better protected land for Tennessee,” said Commissioner Fyke. “I am pleased that we have this opportunity to honor the individuals and organizations whose achievements represent a model of effective stewardship for our state.”
The Tennessee Environmental Stewardship Awards program recognizes exemplary voluntary actions that improve or protect our environment and natural resources with projects or initiatives that are not required by law or regulation. A panel of judges representing agricultural, conservation, forestry, environmental and academic professionals selects award recipients from many well-deserving projects nominated in several categories.
For more information about the Tennessee Environmental Stewardship Awards program, visit www.tdec.net/awards.
CONTACT: Dana Coleman
615.253.1916 (OFFICE)
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