Friday, April 03, 2009
Municipalities honored for conservation efforts
Roanoke and Blacksburg are among the latest recipients of Gov. Tim Kaine's environmental excellence awards.
Both municipalities received top honors for their efforts to promote conservation and environmental awareness among employees, businesses and residents.
Roanoke was recognized for its Clean and Green Campaign, which was launched in 2007 at the urging of Councilwoman Gwen Mason to expand recycling, reduce carbon emissions by businesses and increase public education and outreach efforts.
Roanoke also took a top honor for its conservation easement on 6,185 acres in the Carvins Cove Natural Reserve -- the largest such land protection act in the state.
Blacksburg was honored for its environmental management program, which addresses climate protection, watershed management, urban forestry and other efforts.
The annual awards went to 23 governments, businesses, noprofit groups and individuals. Roanoke was the only jurisdiction in the state to receive two awards, both gold medals.
"That's a pretty big deal," said Ken Cronin, the city's director of general services and sustainability. "It's something the city should be rightfully proud of."
Both municipalities received top honors for their efforts to promote conservation and environmental awareness among employees, businesses and residents.
Roanoke was recognized for its Clean and Green Campaign, which was launched in 2007 at the urging of Councilwoman Gwen Mason to expand recycling, reduce carbon emissions by businesses and increase public education and outreach efforts.
Roanoke also took a top honor for its conservation easement on 6,185 acres in the Carvins Cove Natural Reserve -- the largest such land protection act in the state.
Blacksburg was honored for its environmental management program, which addresses climate protection, watershed management, urban forestry and other efforts.
The annual awards went to 23 governments, businesses, noprofit groups and individuals. Roanoke was the only jurisdiction in the state to receive two awards, both gold medals.
"That's a pretty big deal," said Ken Cronin, the city's director of general services and sustainability. "It's something the city should be rightfully proud of."
