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EPA Congratulates Ashford’s Webelos Pack 92 Eagle Patrol

Release Date: 12/09/2003
Contact Information: Margot Perez-Sullivan, EPA Press Office, 617-918-1060 John R. Pease, Webelos Pack 92 Eagle Patrol Troop Leader 860-731-5936

BOSTON–The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency extended congratulations to the Webelos Pack 92 Eagle Patrol, of Ashford, Connecticut for receiving the prestigious Presidential Environmental Youth Award Winners (PEYA). One exceptional project is chosen from each of EPA’s 10 regions to receive national recognition. The award recipients were honored by EPA Headquarters, Washington D.C. in a national awards ceremony this fall, seen in the accompanying photo with Acting Administrator Marianne Horinko.

PEYA consists of two components. Regionally, outstanding participants receive certificates, making them eligible for the national competition. Applicant projects are judged under stringent standards. Judges take into account the environmental need, appropriateness, long-term benefits, its positive impact on the community and society, and the project’s achievement of its goals.

The Webelos Pack 92 Eagle Patrol of Ashford, Connecticut were New England’s award winners. The troop’s efforts were aimed at restoration of Connecticut’s natural resources, including watersheds, ponds, lands, forest trails and Trap Rock Ridge’s unique habitat. Under the direction of their Den Leader, the Webelos Pack developed a comprehensive plan to learn about their environment and assist in its restoration and enhancement. In the pond and watershed areas, litter was collected and analyzed. Webelos Pack concluded that three fast-food chains were the primary sources of the litter. Following discussions with store management, flyers were distributed by the troop to encourage the public not to litter and encourage environmental preservation. Webelos Pack embarked upon nature hikes to enhance their forestry knowledge, where they observed wildlife, including pond “catch and release” events, teaching aquatic life protection. Along with restoring Trap Rock Ridge’s trails, the Webelos Pack moved the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection to purchase 100 native white pine seedlings that were planted in a residential area to reclaim lawn and reduce maintenance costs. Webelos Pack also expect the trees to provide shelter and eventually food to small animals in the area.

Regional Administrator Robert W. Varney said, “The driven nature of young people today is not only inspiring, but illustrates the power of individuals to change the world, by starting in their own backyards. I want to congratulate all of the award winners, encourage them to continue their dedicated efforts in environmental protection and send a special thanks to the Webelos Pack for their continued commitment in restoring one of Connecticut’s treasures.”

For more information, go to the website: https://www.epa.gov/enviroed/awards.html