Clarence Kroupa Award

Reg Bird

For a lifetime commitment to environmental causes, including land use and land preservation.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Bob Carstens

For many years of service on the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council board.

Environmentalists of the Year (General)

John Richter

For his leadership of Friends of the Jordan River Watershed, his efforts to stop gas and oil drilling within the boundaries of the Jordan River Natural Area, and for valuing and protecting this wonderful natural resource as his life’s work.

Environmentalists of the Year (Volunteer)

M’Lynn Hartwell

For her diligence in striving to correct environmental problems by treating them as the basic human rights issues they are. Rev. Hartwell works locally, nationally, and worldwide; with politicians, organizations, and individuals to benefit the environment. M'Lynn also developed and maintains "World Water Wars" a web site dedicated to freshwater education and the challenges we face everywhere in protecting this most precious resource. Locally she manages "We Are Traverse City" a citizens resource devoted to regional sustainability.

Environmentalist of the Year (Grassroots Organization)

Traverse Bay Watershed Greens

For conducting dialogues and building bridges between area organizations and government entities, and for giving the region a viable, third-party choice with the environment being a top priority.

Environmentalist of the Year (Student)

Jack Kerby-Miller

For organizing a local Focus the Nation event at Glen Lake Schools, and drawing interested local experts to put on a workshop for the general public.

Environmentalist of the Year in Business

Local Plates, LLC – Beth Collins

For efforts to bring efficient and dynamic approaches to building healthy bodies, minds, and communities by reconnecting whole foods with the people who grow them.

Environmentalist of the Year in Education

Kip Knight

For urging students to explore the aquatic life and ecosystems of the Grand Traverse Bay, and incorporating information and activities about the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed into his classroom as part of his yearly curriculum.

Environmentalist of the Year in Journalism and Communications

Bob Allen-Interlochen Public Radio

For consistent and thoughtful reporting on issues ranging from groundwater contaminants to land use abuses, and for his many years of dedication to the northern Michigan environment.

Environmentalist of the Year in Public Service or Public Office

Tom Ulrich-Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

For his outstanding commitment to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore park, the environment, and the public.

Environmentalists of the Year in the Professional category

Amy Beyer-Conservation Resource Alliance

For fostering collaborative land use solutions that preserve and develop land in a positive manner, so that the natural habitat and beauty remains for all to enjoy.

Environmentalist of the Year in Education through Music

Song of the Lakes

For being “Great Lakes Ambassadors” for over 25 years.

Golden Beaver Award

Sarna Salzman

For working behind the scenes on many valuable environmental projects.

Golden Bulldozer Award

Meijer Corporation (Hall of Shame)

For most egregiously placing our regional ecosystem in harms way from development / sprawl.

John Nelson Award for Watershed Stewardship

The City of Traverse City Engineering Department & Tim Lodge

For researching and installing water filtration systems to the City’s waste water before it enters the Bay, and for installing pervious surfaces at City parking lots to control and purify storm water run-off.

Profiles in Courage Award

Acme Township Board and the Acme Township Planning Commission

TOWNSHIP BOARD: Wayne Kladder - present supervisor, Dorothy Dunville, Bill Boltres, Ron Hardin, Paul Scott, Eric Takayama, Frank Zarafonitis, Bill Kurtz - retired supervisor

TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION: Matt Vermetten, Bob Carstens, David Krause, Claire David, Ron Hardin, Doug White, Linda Wikle, Pat Yamaguchi, Jay Zollinger

CONCERNED CITIZENS: Denny Rohn, Eric Takayama

For staying true to the township master plan, which encourages wise land use along the M-72 corridor. Many of these individuals endured personal lawsuits and great hardship due to attorneys representing develpers..