Foundation Seeks State's Exeptional Conservation Heroes to Honor with Prestigous Awards

Alaska Conservation Foundation
Friday, 24 January 2003

Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF) seeks nominations of exceptional individuals involved in conservation work for its annual awards. Each year, ACF recognizes Alaskans who have made long-term contributions to the conservation movement in Alaska. The deadline for award nominations is March 14. Nomination forms are available on the web at: www.akcf.org/awards_how.htm or by calling ACF at (907) 276-1917.

"The conservation of healthy, intact ecosystems is of critical importance to Alaska's economy and our quality of life. We seek to honor outstanding individuals who have made contributions to the protection of Alaska's environment. Their work deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated because it benefits not only current generations, but future generations as well," noted Deborah L. Williams, ACF's executive director.

The Celia Hunter Award for Outstanding Volunteer Contributions recognizes significant, long-term efforts of a leader in the grassroots, volunteer environmental movement in Alaska. Candidates should be ardent and active conservation supporters, and should have made a difference in Alaska's conservation movement over many years.

The Olaus Murie Award for Outstanding Professional Contributions acknowledges long-standing service to Alaska environmental concerns. A recipient of this award will have influenced local, regional, statewide and national environmental issues throughout a professional career. Candidates have worked full-time for a non-profit private, public agency, or organization responsible for the environment.

The Lowell Thomas, Jr. Award for Outstanding Civil Service honors a current or retired, elected or appointed public official who demonstrates extraordinary commitment to conservation. Candidates for this award have achieved significant accomplishments to protect and preserve Alaska's wildlife, wilderness areas, ecosystems, and sustainable communities for present and future generations.

The Wilcher Award for Outstanding High School Senior acknowledges high school seniors who have made significant contributions toward conservation issues or toward solving environmental problems in their communities. Nominees should exhibit a concern for Alaska's environment through their school and extra-curricular activities. The award, which recognizes service rather than academic achievement, is accompanied by a $1,500 prize.

The Daniel Housberg Wilderness Image Awards have two categories, Excellence in Still Photography and Excellence in Film or Video. The Housberg Awards recognize film, video and still photography projects that advance the protection of Alaska's wilderness environment, that further discussion of issues relating to habitat and stewardship of the state's natural resources, and that enhance greater public education relating to these areas. Each award is accompanied by a $1,000 prize.

The Jerry S. Dixon Award for Excellence in Environmental Education rewards innovative educators who integrate stewardship of Alaska's vast natural resources into their instructive efforts. Teachers of all disciplines may be nominated, including experiential and outdoor educators. Candidates for this award must demonstrate a long history of service with students and outstanding, innovative contributions to the pursuit of conservation education. The award is accompanied by $500 prize.

The Award for Alaska Native Writers on the Environment recognizes Native writers who write about the importance of Alaska's natural environment in their lives and culture, and who reflect the need to protect Alaska's ecosystems. Prospective applicants should submit literary work that celebrates connections between Alaska Native heritage and the environment. The winner will receive a cash award of $500.

Founded in 1980, ACF is dedicated to funding grassroots organizations in their efforts to protect and enhance Alaska's ecosystems. Since 1980, ACF has awarded over $19 million in grants to over 200 organizations to help support critical conservation efforts in Alaska. ACF's annual awards recognize exceptional individuals involved in conservation work, and are prestigious awards in Alaska's conservation community.

For more information, or to contact Alaska Conservation Foundation, see their website at: www.akcf.org