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EPA HONORS THREE NEVADA ORGANIZATIONS

Release Date: 4/22/1999
Contact Information: Leo Kay, U.S. EPA, (415)744-2201

SAN FRANCISCO -- During an Earth Day ceremony in San Francisco today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Felicia Marcus presented plaques to three Nevada organizations in recognition of their efforts to protect and preserve the environment in 1998.

"Today's honorees have applied creativity, teamwork and leadership in addressing many of Nevada's most pressing and complex environmental problems," Marcus said.  "Thanks to the efforts of these individuals, our air, water and land will be cleaner and safer for generations to come.  The winners -- in fact all of the nominees -- set an example for all of us to follow."

The EPA Region 9 Earth Day Celebration acknowledges demonstrated commitment and significant contributions to the environment in Nevada, California, Arizona, Hawaii and tribal lands.  Thirty six groups and individuals were selected from more than 100 nominees received this year from businesses, media, local and state government officials, tribes, environmental organizations, and citizen activists.

The Nevada winners and basis for recognition are:
 

Local, State, Tribal, or Federal Government

Shoshone-Paiute Tribe of the Duck Valley Reservation (Owyhee) The Shoshone-Paiute Tribe of the Duck Valley Reservation was awarded an EPA grant in 1997 to develop a model tribal waste reduction program.  Not only has the Tribe succeeded in developing a model program for rural, remote areas, but it has also taken an enormous amount of time to promote its program successes to other tribes.  Tribal members have spoken at a number of tribal conferences and have allowed the EPA to refer waste reduction operational questions from other tribes to them.

Henderson Bird Viewing Reserve  In performing the municipal service of wastewater reclamation, the City of Henderson unintentionally created a habitat for birds.  As one of Southern Nevada's largest water bodies, the wastewater reclamation ponds proved irresistible to migrating and native birds.  Over time, birdwatchers began flocking to the ponds, and in 1995 the City changed its maintenance routines to drain ponds in non-nesting areas, and to leave vegetation in place to support the needs of birds.   Last May, the City completed construction and dedicated the 80-acre site as a formal Bird Viewing Preserve.

Lake Tahoe Transportation and Water Quality Coalition and Partners (Lake Tahoe) The Lake Tahoe Transportation and Water Quality Coalition is working with local, state, tribal, and federal government representatives, to protect the Lake Tahoe Basin.  This innovative partnership brings together diverse interests to speak with one voice for the protection and preservation of Lake Tahoe.  Noteworthy is their work in organizing the 1997 Presidential Forum at Lake Tahoe.  The Coalition and its government partners have secured funding for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands, watershed restoration, and control of erosion and polluted runoff.
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