April 7, 2008 — The V.I. Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) is getting a 2008 Environmental Quality Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"I feel, honored," RC&D President Marcia Taylor told the Source Monday. "I also know we are very deserving. We work together with a lot of organization and the community to make things happen."
The award is the highest recognition presented to the public by the U.S. EPA Region 2 office. Region 2 includes New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The nominees are judged on whether they significantly contributed to improving environmental quality in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands during the past year; demonstrated a high achievement level in the award category; or created unique or local benefits, produced results that are sustainable or reproducible, or increased public involvement in environmental action.
RC&D has been recognized in the category of Non-Profit Organization, Environmental or Community Group. This award recognizes individuals and organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to protecting and enhancing environmental quality in Region 2.
Projects the RC&D has played a role in include a pond design and construction training program last September, regular grant-writing workshops, promoting "rain gardens" to slow runoff and erosion by absorbing and using storm drains in landscaping, and working to help create and expand the Estate Adventure Nature Trail on St. Croix. RC&D was a partner in many of these projects, along with the University of the Virgin Islands, the Waste Management Authority and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
"Our tag line of sorts is 'making thing happen,'" Taylor said. "We have a dedicated group that really wants to see good things happen here. Next week we will be having an in-depth grant-writing seminar. We've got 25 of 35 slots filled, and I'd like to see folks come out and fill that up." (For complete registration information, see "VI RC&D Offers Grant Proposal Development Training.") For training, registration or information, contact the RC&D office by calling 692-9632, ext. 5, or sending an email,
or visit usvircd.org.
The EPA will hold a ceremony April 25 to honor this year's award recipients at its offices on Broadway in lower Manhattan, New York City. Taylor and some other members hope to be able to go. In years past, a second, smaller ceremony has been held afterward in the territory, too, but there has been no announcement of such as of yet.
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