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MEDIA RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

MCWD to Honor Watershed Heroes

Deephaven, MN – September 3, 2008 - On September 26, 2008, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) will honor citizens and organizations that have made significant contributions to water quality at their annual “Watershed Heroes” celebration. The event will take place at BayView Events Center in Excelsior. The Watershed Heroes Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made an outstanding effort to protect and improve our natural resources. Citizens of the District and the public are encouraged to attend and join in this celebration. Please visit www.minneahahacreek.org to learn more.

One of the driving factors behind these awards is to recognize individuals and organizations that are role models in natural resources protection and to encourage others to follow their lead. According to Jim Calkins, MCWD board president, “In order for water quality to continue to improve, we must continue to encourage local governments, businesses, citizen groups, and individuals to play a greater role in natural resource protection. ”

“Finding ways to help people better understand natural resources and becoming involved in making decisions will result in better public policy and more efficient government,” says Eric Evenson, District administrator. “Most people care deeply about the environment, but feel powerless or underestimate their ability help shape policy and protect natural resources. The Watershed Heroes Awards show the positive impact that anyone - from a major retailer to a small lake association - can make.”

The 2008 Watershed Hero Award Recipients are:

Excellence in Development Award: Methodist Hospital for their use of innovative stormwater management in the re-development of their campus, for their partnership in restoring ecological integrity to Minnehaha Creek, and for increasing access to the creek and associated wetlands.

Innovation in Government Award: City of Minnetonka for their land conservation program, and for their commitment to environmental restoration and protection in their development and redevelopment efforts.

Outstanding Partner Award: Bachman’s floral, home & garden store for featuring displays and demonstrations sites that highlight attractive and innovative stormwater management techniques that homeowners can install.

Citizen Engagement Award: David Oltmans and the Friends of Diamond Lake for their efforts to engage citizens to protect and improve waters in Minneapolis, including Diamond Lake.

Outstanding Contribution Award: Sandy Colvin Roy for her leadership in the City of Minneapolis implement innovative projects that protect and improve the city’s lakes and streams, her efforts with the National League of Cities to promote watershed management and for her own advocacy efforts to bring awareness and common-sense solutions to stormwater management issues.

Lifetime Stewardship Award: Woody Love for overall vision and leadership in protecting and managing water resources at the local government level, and for leadership with various organizations, including MCWD, Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts,and the City of Shorewood.

“The Watershed Heroes Awards show a deep level of commitment and effort on behalf of these fine individuals and organizations. The watershed’s citizens and natural resources have benefited enormously from their incredible passion and energies” said Calkins.

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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		MCWD Announces 2008 Watershed Heroes Awards MEDIA RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Julie Westerlund, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District 952-471-0590x209/jwesterlund@minnehahacreek.org *MCWD to Honor Watershed Heroes* Deephaven, MN – September 3, 2008 - On September 26, 2008, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) will honor citizens and organizations that have made significant contributions to water quality at their annual “Watershed Heroes” celebration. The event will take place at BayView Events Center in Excelsior. The Watershed Heroes Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made an outstanding effort to protect and improve our natural resources. Citizens of the District and the public are encouraged to attend and join in this celebration. Please visit www.minneahahacreek.org to learn more. One of the driving factors behind these awards is to recognize individuals and organizations that are role models in natural resources protection and to encourage others to follow their lead. According to Jim Calkins, MCWD board president, “In order for water quality to continue to improve, we must continue to encourage local governments, businesses, citizen groups, and individuals to play a greater role in natural resource protection. ” “Finding ways to help people better understand natural resources and becoming involved in making decisions will result in better public policy and more efficient government,” says Eric Evenson, District administrator. “Most people care deeply about the environment, but feel powerless or underestimate their ability help shape policy and protect natural resources. The Watershed Heroes Awards show the positive impact that anyone - from a major retailer to a small lake association - can make.” The 2008 Watershed Hero Award Recipients are: Excellence in Development Award: Methodist Hospital for their use of innovative stormwater management in the re-development of their campus, for their partnership in restoring ecological integrity to Minnehaha Creek, and for increasing access to the creek and associated wetlands. Innovation in Government Award: City of Minnetonka for their land conservation program, and for their commitment to environmental restoration and protection in their development and redevelopment efforts. Outstanding Partner Award: Bachman’s floral, home & garden store for featuring displays and demonstrations sites that highlight attractive and innovative stormwater management techniques that homeowners can install. Citizen Engagement Award: David Oltmans and the Friends of Diamond Lake for their efforts to engage citizens to protect and improve waters in Minneapolis, including Diamond Lake. Outstanding Contribution Award: Sandy Colvin Roy for her leadership in the City of Minneapolis implement innovative projects that protect and improve the city’s lakes and streams, her efforts with the National League of Cities to promote watershed management and for her own advocacy efforts to bring awareness and common-sense solutions to stormwater management issues. Lifetime Stewardship Award: Woody Love for overall vision and leadership in protecting and managing water resources at the local government level, and for leadership with various organizations, including MCWD, Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts,and the City of Shorewood. “The Watershed Heroes Awards show a deep level of commitment and effort on behalf of these fine individuals and organizations. The watershed’s citizens and natural resources have benefited enormously from their incredible passion and energies” said Calkins. 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. -END- Related Content: MCWD Watershed Heroes Awards Page Press release - 2008 Awards Call for nominations Categories and Criteria 2008 Watershed Heroes Award Recipients 2007 Watershed Heroes Awards Recipients Past Award Heroes © Copyright 2003-2006, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. All rights reserved. This site hosted by Real Time Enterprises. Optimal Settings: 800x600 res, 16-bit color JavaScript-enabled Browsers: MSIE 5+, Netscape 6+/Firefox 0.9+, Opera 7+