Maquoketa Caves State Park photo/Cindy Hadish

Maquoketa Caves State Park photo/Cindy Hadish

Many environmental organizations, individuals and businesses in Eastern Iowa offer invaluable service every day by educating our children and preserving and protecting the world around us.  How about some well-deserved recognition for those behind-the-scenes accomplishments?

The Governor’s Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards are the premier environmental honors in Iowa, recognizing leadership and innovation in the protection of Iowa’s water, land and air.

Read more from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources about how you can apply for this award:

DES MOINES — Iowa businesses, organizations and citizens are invited to apply for the Governor’s Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards. To download an application, go to www.iowadnr.gov/eeawards; applications are due April 12, 2013.

 There is still plenty of time to complete an application; for 2013 organizations are encouraged to submit electronically to reduce paper waste and eliminate mail delays. Complete instructions are included in the application packet.

“The Environmental Excellence Awards allow us to showcase and share the creative efforts businesses and organizations in Iowa are utilizing to protect our natural resources as well as grow jobs in our state,” said Gov. Terry Branstad.

In addition to rewarding important efforts to improve Iowa’s natural resources, Gov. Branstad noted that highlighting success stories benefits other businesses and organizations in the state.

Innovation is one of the key components needed to reaching important state goals of creating 200,000 new jobs, increasing personal income by 25 percent in the state and promoting Iowa’s Healthiest State initiative, Branstad said.

Awards will be given for Overall Environmental Excellence, along with Special Project Awards in:

  • Air Quality
  • Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy
  • Habitat Restoration
  • Waste Management
  • Water Quality
  • Environmental Education

The awards program is coordinated by the Iowa Governor’s Office, the Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Iowa Department of Education, the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

For more information and to download an application, go to www.iowadnr.gov/eeawards or contact Emily Bainter at 515-242-5955 or Emily.Bainter@dnr.iowa.gov.