The awards, to be presented in June, recognize those who work to protect and enhance Prince Edward Island’s environment.

“The Prince Edward Island Environmental awards are an excellent way to recognize those who have made a special contribution to enhancing and protecting our environment,” Minister Brown said.

People seeking to nominate someone for a Prince Edward Island Environmental Award can find forms online at www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/index.php3?number=20650 or obtain them by calling 368-5000.

“I am asking Islanders to consider nominating individuals, businesses, organizations or schools who have acted in the best interests of our environment,” Minister Brown added.

The deadline for nominations for the 2009 Environmental Awards is May 1. Nominations will be assessed by members of the PEI Environmental Advisory Council. To be eligible for an award, nominees must have been instrumental in:

• identifying, reducing, solving or avoiding an environmental problem;

• demonstrating consistently responsible environmental management practices; and/or

• promoting public awareness, understanding and active concern for the enhancement and protection of the environment.

The review committee will also consider the nominee’s long-term service and commitment, voluntary contributions and innovative approach.

Last year’s award recipients included:

• Honourable Gilbert Clements, for his longtime environmental and wildlife activities, including a number of nation-leading initiatives as Prince Edward Island’s Minister Responsible for the Environment.

• Diane Griffin, for her role as a civil servant in environmental policy and legislative development, and as a participant in non-governmental organizations dedicated to the protection of significant ecological areas throughout Canada.

• Harvey Livingstone, for his pioneering environmental procedures and best practices when establishing an auto salvage business in Prince Edward Island.

• Morell Adventurers, a group of approximately 35 students from Morell Consolidated School which met after school on a biweekly basis and had been, within its school setting, instrumental in promoting public awareness, understanding and active concern for the enhancement and protection of the environment.

• The Town of Stratford, for its efforts to become a sustainable community and limit its environmental footprint by considering the economic, environmental, social and cultural impact of decisions and actions.

• Greenfield Elementary School was selected as the inaugural recipient of the St. Teresa’s Environmental School Challenge. The school has established a Green Team comprised of hundreds of children who are dedicated to protecting the environment and enhancing the school grounds.