STATE ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS | The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) invites Tennesseans to submit nominations for the 2024 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards, which recognize individuals, businesses, and other organizations for their commitment to preserving the state’s natural resources.
“Tennessee is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and resources, and these awards recognize Tennesseans who share our commitment to conservation,” Lee said. “We look forward to receiving the nominations.”
The honors include 10 categories: Agriculture and Forestry; Building Green; Clean Air; Energy and Renewable Resources; Environmental Education and Outreach; Materials Management; Natural Resources; Water Quality; Sustainable Performance; and Lifetime Achievement.
Past area winners include the Friends of Short Springs Natural Area in Coffee County, East View Farm in Belvidere, and Flintville Elementary School.
Any individual, business, organization, educational institution, or agency is eligible, provided it is in Tennessee and the project was fully implemented and/or finalized in the two years prior to Dec. 31, 2023, or for long-term projects finalized by the year prior to the nomination deadline. All nominees must have a minimum of three consecutive years of overall environmental compliance with TDEC. Self-nominations are encouraged.
“This is a way of honoring those who demonstrate their care for the environment in Tennessee through their actions,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. “The annual awards highlight the accomplishments and commitment across our state, and we welcome the nominations for 2024.”
A panel of judges among agricultural, conservation, forestry, environmental, and academic professions will select award recipients based on criteria including level of project or program completion, innovation, and public education. The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2024. Award recipients will be announced in the summer of 2024.
For more information about each category, judging criteria, and nomination forms, visit the TDEC website by clicking here. •
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