2014 Chesapeake Forest Champion contest seeks nominations.[imageframe class=”acb-img-float-right” ]

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay with support from the U.S. Forest Service is soliciting nominations for their annual Chesapeake Forest Champions contest. Forests provide clean water and air, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and a host of other benefits to people. In rural and urban areas alike, trees are one of our greatest allies in reducing the pollution that flows off the land into local waterways and, ultimately, to the bay. With 100 acres of the region’s forest lost to development each day, the need for local champions of trees and forests has never been greater.

The purpose of this contest is to recognize the outstanding efforts of groups and individuals from around the bay watershed to conserve, restore, and celebrate Chesapeake forests in 2014. The contest is open to all including landowners, community groups, nonprofits, forestry and natural resource professionals, schools, youth organizations, businesses, public agencies and others working in rural, suburban and urban areas. Basically, if you know any group or individual who is doing outstanding work for forests, as a volunteer or professional, nominate them.

Nominations must be completed downloading the Chesapeake-Forest-Champion-Nomination-Form-2014(.pdf) and submitted to Forestsforthebay@gmail.com by August 4th. Nominations submitted for the last two contests will automatically be considered for 2014. Winners will be recognized at the annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum on September 26th, in Shepherdstown, WV. Registration, food and lodging expenses at the Forum will be covered for contest awardees.

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