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TDEC ANNOUNCEMENT
Call for GESA Award Nominations
Each year, the Governor’s Department of Environment and them to the nomination forms and other
Environmental Stewardship Awards Conservation. Self-nominations are pertinent information on the website.
honor outstanding accomplishments that encouraged. www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/
support the protection and enhancement opsp-policy-and-sustainable-practices/
of Tennessee’s natural resources. A panel of judges representing governor-s-environmental-stewardship-
Nominating an individual, group, or agricultural, conservation, forestry, awards.html.
organization for their achievements is a environmental, and academic
meaningful way to promote conservation professionals will select award recipients The Tennessee Department of
and recognize effective environmental based on criteria including level of project Environment and Conservation
leadership in Tennessee. or program completion, innovation, (TDEC) is encouraged that so many
and public education. The deadline for citizens and organizations take action
Nominations currently are being nominations is April 1, 2021. Award to ensure Tennessee communities are
accepted for the 2021 Governor’s recipients will be announced in June healthy places to live, work, and play.
Environmental Stewardship Awards. 2021. Nominate deserving Tennesseans for their
Please draw on your knowledge environmental commitment, efforts, and
and experience to help us identify If you feel an individual or group would achievements.
organizations and individuals who are be a good candidate for the awards, direct
improving the quality of Tennessee’s land,
air, and water. GOVERNOR’S ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARDS
The Governor’s Environmental The Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards (GESA) are presented
Stewardship Awards include ten annually to recognize outstanding achievements by individuals, local
categories: governments, businesses, organizations, educational institutions, and agencies
1. Agriculture and Forestry for successful environmental projects and conservation measures. The
2. Building Green awards program was instituted in 1986 by Ernie Blankenship of the Tennessee
3. Clean Air Department of Environment and Health, a predecessor of TDEC, and has been adopted by the
4. Energy and Renewable Resources Governor’s office as one of its award programs.
5. Environmental Education and
GESA are designed to enhance knowledge and awareness of effective conservation and
Outreach environmental practices and projects making outstanding contributions to the preservation and
6. Materials Management protection of community and state natural resources and to give proper recognition to those who
7. Natural Resource engage in these outstanding practices.
8. Water Quality
9. Sustainable Performance The awards also encourage leadership by example through award winners, leading to increased
10. Lifetime Achievement protection and conservation of Tennessee’s wildlife, forests, soils, air, water, natural heritage, parks,
and recreation. Applications are judged in nine different criteria areas, including such items as project
Any individual, business, organization, results and transferability, as well as three eligibility areas: location within the state of Tennessee,
educational institution, or agency completion of a majority of the project in the current calendar year, and three years of exceptional
is eligible, provided it is located in environmental compliance with TDEC.
Tennessee and the project was completed
during the 2020 calendar year. All GESA are the most prestigious environmental and conservation awards in the state. For more
nominees must have a minimum of than 30 years, the awards have been presented to individuals and organizations making significant
three consecutive years of overall contributions to the protection and improvement of our natural resources and wildlife. GESA supports
environmental compliance with the the Governor’s priorities of Job and Economic Development and Health and Welfare, while also
supporting TDEC priorities of Public/Private Partnerships and Positive Environmental Outcomes.
24 TPW March/April 2021
