Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Earth Day ceremony recognizes environmental achievements

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 21, 2006) – The Kentucky Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) today recognized several individuals and groups for their contributions to the environment in an Earth Day ceremony at McConnell Springs in Lexington.  Award winners were recognized for a variety of programs and initiatives. 

“Groups and individuals, children as well as adults, are being recognized today for doing their part to help protect the environment we all enjoy,” said LaJuana S. Wilcher, secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet.  “All Kentuckians should follow their example as stewards of our fragile environment.  I congratulate and encourage them to continue in their efforts.”

The 2006 Earth Day Award recipients are:

• Glenn O. Swing Elementary School Energy Savers Team for planning and implementing an energy awareness and conservation program.
• Mammoth Cave Restoration Field Camp for undertaking conservation and restoration projects in the cave and karst country of south central Kentucky.
• Bacon Creek Watershed Council for holding creek and community cleanups, as well as education programs and heritage events, centering on the Bacon Creek Watershed.
• Caryn Walker and the Brown School 12 for rewriting the Partnership for a Green City’s environmental principles to educate their peers in understanding environmental responsibility.
• Sister Rose Marie Cummins for using her position as director of the Dominican Earth Center to teach members of the community about becoming good stewards of the land in central Kentucky.
• Logan County Conservation District for construction of the Baker Natural Area, a 66-acre environmental education site.
• Friends of Wolf Run, Inc. for drawing attention to issues with Wolf Run Creek, through monitoring water quality, forming a pollution tracking team, launching a tree planting campaign and educating homeowners on protecting and managing their creek banks.
• Clark’s Run Environmental and Education Corporation for coordinating riparian reforesting events near Clark’s Run, creating a recreational trail and educating community residents and local students.
• Scott R. Smith received the Public Service Award for serving the Commonwealth as executive director of the Office of Regulatory Affairs, chief of staff of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet and acting director of the Environmental Quality Commission.
• Herman Regan, Jr. received the Lifetime Achievement Award for promoting environmental awareness and action through his years of government and private consulting work.

The EQC is a seven-member citizen board created under state law.  Its mission is to facilitate public discussion and resolution of environmental issues, monitor environmental trends and conditions, promote partnerships to protect the environment for future generations and serve as an advisory board to the governor and other state officials on environmental matters.

Kentuckians will join others across the world in celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, April 22.  Spearheaded by the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, a number of state agencies, local governments, businesses and organizations have joined together to celebrate Earth Day in the Commonwealth.  Some of these partners have organized environmental activities throughout the month of April while others are providing information and resources on protecting Kentucky’s environment.

This is the third year in a row for a month-long, organized campaign in celebration of Earth Day.  Among activities planned are hikes, special events, college campus programs, environmental award presentations and demonstrations of new, environmentally friendly technology.  Visit the state Earth Day Web site at www.earthday.ky.gov to learn more about Kentucky’s Earth Day celebration.