The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is inviting Tennesseans to submit nominations for the 2017 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards.

These awards include ten unique categories: Building Green, Clean Air, Energy and Renewable Resources, Environmental Education and Outreach, Environmental Education and Outreach (school category), Land Use, Materials Management, Natural Heritage, Sustainable Performance, and Lifetime Achievement.

(Credit: TDEC)

(Credit: TDEC)

Any individual, business, organization, educational institution, or agency is eligible to apply provided it is located in Tennessee and the project was completed during the 2016 calendar year. All nominees must have a minimum of three consecutive years of overall environmental compliance with TDEC. Self-nominations are encouraged.

The awards are designed to bring about a greater knowledge and awareness of effective practices and projects and to give proper recognition to those persons and organizations that make outstanding contributions to the natural resources of their community and the state. The awards also promote leadership by example in order to increase promotion, protection, and conservation of the natural resources of the State of Tennessee and its wildlife, forests, soils, air, water, natural heritage, parks, and recreation.

A panel of judges representing agricultural, conservation, forestry, environmental, and academic professionals will select award recipients based on criteria including level of project or program completion, innovation, and public education.

The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2017. Award recipients will be announced in May 2017.

The Tennessee’s Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards are the most prestigious environmental and conservation awards in the state. For more than 30 years, the awards have been presented to individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the protection and improvement of our natural resources and wildlife.

For more information about each category, judging criteria, and nomination forms visit TDEC’s website.

Click here for a link to the original story written by Chattanoogan.com.