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EPA presents awards for environmental achievements in Utah

Release Date: 7/27/2001
Contact Information:
EPA 303-312-6331,

Release Date: 7/27/2001
Contact Information:
EPA 303-312-6314,

Release Date: 7/27/2001
Contact Information:
EPA 303-312-6603

Denver -- Improved coordination and communication among groups performing environmental education activities in Utah, and superior leadership in developing and implementing environmental protection programs for agriculture were among the award-winning activities recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in an announcement today in Denver.

Agency officials will present the awards in person during upcoming events. The following individual and organization will receive EPA's Environmental Achievement awards for outstanding contributions to environmental protection:

Utah Society for Environmental Education (USEE) -- has developed an Environmental Education Network for Utah schools. This involved establishing a team of Environmental Education (EE) experts in each of Utah's 40 school districts. USEE provides the team members with environmental educational information and materials and provides scholarships to improve their knowledge and understanding of EE subject matter.

The society has worked with the U.S. Forest Service to develop an on-line searchable database that allows EE providers increased access to EE related information. The database has increased communication and coordination among EE providers.

USEE has created The Teacher Network, which is a free service to Utah teachers where they can use EE resources, obtain educational materials, apply for grants, etc. The T-Net also is used by EE providers to distribute program and event information to teachers.

The Society developed the Rocky Mountain States Project in cooperation with EPA and the Bureau of Land Management. This project allows statewide EE organizations to coordinate and disseminate EE materials and information that will result in greater environmental awareness and an increased knowledge-base to improve the public's understanding of environmental issues.


George Hopkin, Chief of Environmental Quality at the Utah Department of Food and Agriculture, was recognized by EPA for his noteworthy work to protect public health and increase environmental protection on agricultural lands throughout Utah. Hopkin has led the development and implementation of all watershed projects, as well as information and education projects related to agriculture that are funded through the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

Hopkin was the mastermind behind Utah's animal feeding operation strategy, which has become the model for other states across the country and the National Farm Bureau. He also has worked to prevent pollution and protect public health as was demonstrated by his involvement in the Bear River project. Hopkin worked with a cattle rancher to move his corrals for his 600 head of cattle off the Bear River. This effort removed manure pollution that was draining directly into the river and contaminating a cold water fishery and possible future source of drinking water for Salt Lake City.

An ardent supporter of environmental protection on agricultural lands, Hopkin understands the issues involved and has credibility among the agricultural community. This makes him an effective spokesperson for his agency and able to represent the concerns of his peers.

These two Utah awards were among the 65 groups or individuals EPA recognized in its six-state region (CO, WY, UT, MT, ND, SD).

"These awards recognize the outstanding efforts and commitment to protecting the environment by individuals and organizations in Utah," said Jack McGraw, EPA's Acting Regional Administrator in Denver. "Our hope is that the leadership demonstrated by these award winners will influence others to make tangible differences in protecting public health and the environment in their own communities."

Editors: For details on any awardee, please contact his/her nominator:
Utah Society for Tim Brown 801-328-1549
Environmental Education

George Hopkin Roger Dean 303-312-6947