WETLANDS AWARDS PROGRAM
Wisconsin Wetlands Awards recognize individuals and groups whose work advances the tri-fold mission of the Wisconsin Wetland Association - the protection, restoration and enjoyment of Wisconsin’s wetlands and related ecosystems.

Our 2009 Wetlands Awards recipients are:

	Wetland Protection Award: Michael Cain Michael Cain recently retired from his position as an attorney for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. During the course of his 33 year career, Michael authored or coauthored all of Wisconsin’s wetland protection laws. As a result of his foresight and determination, Wisconsin became a pioneer in the creation of strong, effective state wetland protection laws and continues to serve as a model that inspires other states to further develop their wetland protection programs.
	Wetland Restoration Award: Ho-Chunk Nation As stewards of approximately 1000 acres of wetlands, the Ho-Chunk Nation has demonstrated great commitment to protecting and restoring wetlands. The Nation has sought out partners such as the BIA, USFSWS, EPA, and NRCS to help them realize their commitment to wetlands and contributed substantial tribal funds towards wetland projects. The Nation’s role in mitigating wetland sites is an ongoing model for other projects.
	Wetland Enjoyment Award: Jeff Nania Since Jeff Nania helped found the River Crossing Environmental Charter School in 2001, he has spent 20 hours a week with the students who attend, hoping to get them out into nature and encouraging them to get their hands dirty. Using the environment as a context for learning, Jeff helps give these students a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Jeff is currently working with the Portage School District to expand the size of the school to 80 students.

AWARD CATEGORIES
Protection - Work that ensures the protection of specific wetland sites or wetlands statewide including: strengthening wetland policies and regulations; grassroots advocacy; land acquisition.
Restoration - On-the-ground wetland restoration work and efforts that promote wetland restoration including: private and public restoration projects; invasive species control projects; general wetland stewardship; research, programs or materials that encourage wetland restoration.
Enjoyment - Anything that improves public understanding and appreciation of wetlands including: outreach programs; curriculum development; field trip programming, representation of wetlands in the arts; programs that promote recreational, hunting and bird watching opportunities associated with wetlands.

EVENT PHOTOS
Photos courtesy of Karen Bassler, Katie Beilfuss, Joe Hennessy, and Alexia Sabor.

EVENT SPONSORS
WWA thanks the following sposnors for their support of this event:

Wisconsin Wetlands Association thanks the following businesses, organizations and people for contributing to this event: