| February 6, 2008 |
The Huron Pines Annual Meeting, on Saturday, February 2nd in Hillman, was a great success.
This year marked our 35th anniversary and also wrapped up a number of significant resource conservation projects. The energy at the meeting helped fuel the optimism that we have for 2008, as the potential for getting so much good “hands-on” conservation work completed has never been better.
The meeting featured several speakers. The keynote speaker, Dr. Kelley Smith, Chief of the Michigan Department of Natural Resource Fisheries Division, spoke about the current funding situation for conservation in Michigan as well as the future of Michigan’s fisheries. Elaine Carlson from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division updated attendees about the success of the Kirtland’s warbler, managing Michigan’s wolf population and controlling TB in deer, among other wildlife topics. Lastly, Representative Matthew Gillard from the 106th House District discussed the importance of unifying all representatives to support conservation in Michigan. We were pleased to have these speakers highlight some of conservation’s most pressing issues.
Several awards were also presented at the event. Huron Pines is pleased to announce the recipients of the three 2007 O.B. Eustis Environmental Awards and the 2008 Huron Pines Award.
The first winner of the O.B. Eustis Award was Gerald Lake from Grayling, MI. He received the award for his many years of work to improve and protect the quality of the North Branch Au Sable River. His award will go toward a watershed management plan on the North Branch Au Sable River. Gus Chutorash from Alger, MI won for his many years of dedication to caring for and educating people about water quality in the Rifle River Watershed. The Annual Watershed Walk led by Kevin Kennedy in Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools won in the organization category. This program was recognized for its great educational value and the subsequent good it will do for the Thunder Bay, Black and North Branch Au Sable River watersheds.
Also, the Huron Pines Award was presented to the Otsego Conservation District for their successful efforts in reaching out to private landowners and their community garden program. This award recognizes partners who connect with area leaders and organizations to implement projects and improve the lake and water resources of Northeast Michigan.
For questions about the meeting, contact:
Brad Jensen
(989) 344-0753 ext. 18
brad@huronpines.org
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