Georgia Chapter of the SWCS[home]

Awards Descriptions

There are many deserving individuals and groups who should be recognized for their efforts toward soil and water conservation.  The following awards are given by our chapter:

Distinguished Service Award - only one given annually to a Chapter member.    
Merit Award - up to four are given annually to non-member groups.
Honor Award - only one given annually to a member or non-member.
Environmental Educator of the Year - only one is given annually, to anyone involved in some type of conservation education.
Commendation Award - up to five are given annually to Chapter members.

Award nomination forms can be either mailed:
Jose Pagan, GA SWCS Awards Chair
District Conservationist, NRCS
P.O. Box 8
Monroe, GA  30655

Or emailed to Jose Pagan, Awards Chair

Deadline for receiving nominations is 15 April 2008.

Distinguished Service Award – Given to Society members in recognition of unusual efforts in helping the Society develop and carry out its program over a long and sustained period of time.
– The nominee must have performed unusual service to the Society on a sustained basis for at least 10 years.
– The nominee's service should include activities that help the Society achieve its objectives.
– The award will not be given merely to recognized long membership or in honor of a member's retirement.
– No more than one award will be given annually.
– Nomination must be made or endorsed by Society members using nomination forms along with a written narrative supporting the above criteria.

Merit Award – Given to a business firm, corporation, mass media organization, or groups, in recognition of an outstanding effort or activity that promotes wise land use or conservation products.
– The effort or activity shall be in line with the Society's objectives and activities.
– The activity should be the result of an organized program of the business or organization and may include the activity of an agency of government.
– The activity should have clearly contributed to bringing about better land use and/or better understanding of natural resource conservation.
– No more than four awards will be given annually.
– Nominations may be submitted by members by providing a written narrative outlining sufficient supporting evidence to document the above criteria in addition to the award nomination form.

Honor Award – Recognizes individuals (members or non-members of the Society) for significant contributions in the field of conservation of natural resources compatible with the objectives of the Society.
– A nominee's contribution must be widely recognized by leaders in Soil & Water Conservation and related fields over a period of years.
– The nominee's activity shall have been of a voluntary nature, greatly exceeding his/her other normal working duties.
– The activity should clearly contribute to bring about better land use and/or understanding of natural resources conservation.
– No more than one award will be given annually.
– Nomination must be made or endorsed by Society members using the nomination form with written narrative and supporting data.

Environmental Educator of the Year Award – Given to one individual who has made a significant contribution to environmental education through dedicated and creative services.
– Nominations should be made using the nomination form with a written narrative outlining the contribution and its impact on environmental education.

Commendation Award – Given to Society members for their service to the Chapter and for professional achievement by the individual.
– All members are eligible for consideration.
– No more than five awards will be made annually.
– The activity for which the individual is recognized should be in line with the Society's objectives.
– The activity should have required unusual time or effort beyond his/her normal work.
– Award may be given in recognition of professional accomplishments in addition to Society affairs.
– The nominee's activity shall have been accomplished recently.
– Nominators should submit an award nomination form and supporting data to document the above.