ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 25, 2001) - Nominations are now being accepted for the 2001 Tawes Award for A Clean Environment – named in honor of the late J. Millard Tawes, Governor (1959-1967) and first secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. The awards are co-sponsored by the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Petroleum Council.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the annual statewide environmental recognition program that seeks to involve youth, adults, private and public organizations in the restoration and protection of Maryland's many natural resources and attractions.

In 1977, the first Tawes award was presented in the late governor’s hometown of Crisfield, Maryland. Through the years, recipients of the awards recognized for their outstanding contributions have ranged from boy scouts, emergency response personnel, environmental activists, to elementary and secondary schools, beautification and ecology groups.

Entries are divided into two categories – youth (individual or organizations with members under 21), and adult (individual or organization). Activities or projects may include, but are not limited to recycling, ecology, animal habitat, community and stream clean up and conservation.

Winners and runners-up and their guests will be honored at an awards luncheon to be held in mid-May at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis.

For more information or a nomination form contact the Maryland Department of the Environment at 410-631-3012, MPC at 410-269-1850 or email to mdpc@toad.net. Deadline for submissions is April 10th.

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