04/23/2006

Environmentalist of the Year Award winners

Clarence Kroupa Award

Helen and William Milliken, for lifelong work for Michigan's environment

John Nelson Water Steward Award

John Nelson received this eponymous award, given this year for the first time, for his work as the Grand Traverse Baykeeper, his work against the Hartman-Hammond bypass proposal and his work on the coordinating group of the Land Use and Transportation Study

Special Environmental Innovation Award

Tim Hannert, Dean Branson and Norton Bretz for their work with the Three Lakes Association to create a scientific model to predict environmental impacts of land use decisions around Torch Lake

Golden Beaver Award

Paul Brink, for his work as an attorney who has donated hundreds of hours to Acme Township to fight for smart growth

Environmental Volunteer of the Year

Brad Boals, Nola Boals and Robbin Bustance for their work to find a resolution to environmental problems at the Williamsburg Receiving & Storage Co.

Environmental Professional of the Year

Ray Ludwa, for his work as executive director of the Torch Lake Protection Alliance, vice president of the Three Lakes Association and board member for the Watershed Center

Environmentalist of the Year in Public Service or Public Office

Dennis Aloia, Grand Traverse County administrator, for his role in developing a citizen-led land use and transportation effort for the Grand Traverse region; and Mary Pitcher, Benzie County commissioner, for her commitment to environmental causes in her work in local government

Environmentalist of the Year in Business

Tom Karas, a "green builder" recognized for his inventive re-use of materials

Environmentalist of the Year in Journalism or Communications

Jason & Mallory Glover, for environmental features in their publication, Third Eye; and Bill O'Brien, business editor at the Traverse City Record-Eagle, for a series of articles about agricultural waste and the environment

Environmental Grass Roots Group of the Year

Concerned Citizens for Arbutus Lake, for organizing against a development opponents believed was environmentally unsound

Environmental Educator of the Year

Sally Somsel, for her work with the Inland Seas Education Association, where she has been an instructor and developed curriculum

Student Environmentalist of the Year

Katie Hajjar, for establishing an environmental group at Traverse City Central High School