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Let's not be tardy again this year. Turn in those nomination forms ASAP.

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URL: http://www.caller.com/ccct/recreation_columnists/article/0,1641,CCCT_868_4923504,00.html
Help honor those behind local acts of conservation
August 17, 2006

My engineer father insisted there are few true accidents.

He always was quick to tell me that most of my known mishaps, which included any unwanted academic results, were the consequences of neglect or carelessness. I silently disagreed at the time, but since have applied his simple logic to my conservation ethic. It seems to work.

While I understand that reasonable precaution is not necessarily rewarded with positive outcomes - no one could guarantee this - I'm pretty certain that inconsiderate or misguided acts are more likely to result in unwanted consequences.

When it comes to conservation, responsibility should not be measured by our willingness to admit or correct oversights, but rather by our level of insistence on taking reasonable steps to avoid them.

This is a moral issue when public commons are involved.

We could reduce the risk of our irresponsible tendencies if we had more people to remind us that this moral element is the foundation of conservation.

Again, preventative reminders are better than the alternative. See Dad, I was listening.

Most of you know conservationists among us who have assumed the role of reminder. Either by subtle suggestion or by more conspicuous means, they remind us to consider conservation in our acts.

They teach our youth to understand and respect nature. They enlighten communities on far-reaching consequences. They attend meetings and keep watch. They steer us toward better business models. They lead by example. And by all of these they renew our resolve against threats to our exquisitely uncivilized surroundings.

Too often this handful of folks with unambiguous vision and unwavering convictions go unnoticed and unheeded. And while I'm fairly sure many of them prefer their backstage roles, I'm equally certain that revealing these champions is vital to strengthening the cause. Announcing them and their works publicly helps establish a positive social stigma for a precautionary movement always in need of fuel.

Folks at the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation understand this. That's why they have assumed responsibility for nurturing coastal conservancy by recognizing the people, programs and businesses that practice it.

Please don't leave conservation to chance. Consider carefully who among us might deserve a CBBF Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Award and nominate them. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 7.

Here are the categories:


PUBLIC SERVICE
For a public servant whose efforts and leadership exceed their job requirements.


CITIZEN VOLUNTEER
For a local resident who dedicates time and energy to the preservation of our natural resources without expectation of compensation or recognition.


COASTAL COMMUNITY
For farsighted public stewardship of coastal resources and for leadership in enhancing our coastal environment.


BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
For a local company that sets an example of leadership by placing a high priority on protecting the region's environment.


SMALL BUSINESS
For demonstrating leadership by placing a high priority on protecting the region's environment.


NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
For working to preserve the region's heritage, protecting the natural environment and nurturing the prosperity of the Coastal Bend.


PUBLIC AWARENESS
For an institution or individual's dedication and effectiveness in raising Texans' public awareness of the natural resources of the Coastal Bend.


ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
For a teacher's dedication and effectiveness in educating area students about the natural resources of the Coastal Bend.


MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION
For a teacher's dedication and effectiveness in educating area students about the natural resources of the Coastal Bend.


HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION
For a teacher's dedication and effectiveness in educating area students about the natural resources of the Coastal Bend.


HIGHER EDUCATION
For a professor or institution's dedication and effectiveness in educating area students about the natural resources of the Coastal Bend.

TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS


Call 882-3439 to request a nomination form.

Download a form off HYPERLINK http://www.baysfoundation.org www.baysfoundation.org

Fax it to 882-5625

Mail it to: Coastal Bend Bays Foundation P.O. Box 23025 Corpus Christi, TX 78403

E-mail HYPERLINK mailto:cbbf@baysfoundation.org cbbf@baysfoundation.org

Winners will be honored at a fundraiser banquet Oct. 25 at the Solomon P. Ortiz International Center under the Harbor Bridge. Donations of auction items and volunteers are needed. Obtain tickets and table reservations though the contact information above.

Outdoors writer David Sikes' column appears Thursdays and Sundays. Contact him at 886-3616 or HYPERLINK mailto:sikesd@caller.com sikesd@caller.com
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