| The Pennsylvania
Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking nominations for two awards it presents in recognition of those
making outstanding contributions to furthering conservation or facilitating recreational access to the
state’s
waterways.
The Ralph W. Abele Conservation Heritage Award is the highest
recognition the PFBC confers. The PFBC established the Abele Award to recognize citizens of Pennsylvania who have
made outstanding contributions to the protection, conservation and enhancement of the aquatic resources of the Commonwealth.
The award serves as a memorial to Ralph Abele, longtime Commission Executive Director, for his steadfast and courageous
work in protecting and conserving our natural resources.
The Abele Award is presented to a Pennsylvanian
who has dedicated his or her time and energy to the conservation of the state's natural resources, specifically
the aquatic resources, through one or more of the following accomplishments:
- Personally
invested heavily in the long-term education of Pennsylvania's youth on conservation issues vital
to an improved aquatic environment.
- Put at risk their person and livelihood to undertake public
activities and positions on behalf of improving and protecting the aquatic resources of Pennsylvania.
- Led
a regional or statewide environmental effort that has been recognized for its duration and success
in protecting and enhancing the aquatic resources of Pennsylvania.
- Played
a leading role in reclaiming and enhancing a major significant natural water resource within the
Commonwealth.
- Led
an effort to pass major environmental legislation for the protection, conservation and enhancement
of the natural environment of Pennsylvania.
- Brought national recognition to Pennsylvania through
personal activities, actions and contributions to the aquatic resources.
The Paul J. Mahon Access
for All Award Program was created earlier this year to recognize the outstanding efforts of former
Commissioner Paul Mahon to ensure accessibility to the state’s
waterways for all individuals interested in fishing and boating, regardless of physical ability.
The award is intended to recognize Pennsylvania citizens or organizations who have made outstanding
contributions, above and beyond legal requirements, to improving fishing and boat access to the resource
for the disabled.
Nominees should meet one or more of the following requirements:
- Been personally involved
in the provision of angling or boating activities that directly support the recreational needs of
the disabled.
- Led
a regional or statewide effort to improve access to angling and boating resources by the disabled.
- Played
a lead role in the development and construction of a major facility for disabled anglers and/or boaters.
- Significantly
improved or enhanced the quality of the angling and boating experience in ways that make a substantial
difference for persons with a disability.
- Worked
passionately and selflessly, over an extended period of time, to improve recreational use of Pennsylvania
waters on behalf of the disabled angler and boater.
The nominations for either award should describe,
in a maximum of three typewritten pages, the following:
- Biographical
information.
- How the nominee meets the categories for recognition.
- Specific accomplishments of
the nominee.
- Affiliations of the nominee.
- Additional information to warrant award of this honor.
Submission of letters supporting the nomination or other
endorsements of a nominee is not part of the nomination process for either award.
Employees and active
Commissioners of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission are not eligible for this award, but they
are encouraged to submit nominations.
Nominations should be submitted to Executive Office, Pennsylvania
Fish and Boat Commission, PO Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000. Nominations should be postmarked
no later than October 31, 2007.
Award winners will be recognized at a special ceremony at PFBC headquarters
in conjunction with an upcoming Commission meeting. |
