MLCI. MLCI Receives International Award for "Effective and Creative Education".

Nobleboro, Maine - (November 12 , 2003) The Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute [(MLCI)] received the Technical Excellence Award in Public Education and Outreach from the North American Lake Management Society [NALMS]. NALMS is one of the premier international organizations that advocates on behalf of, and advances issues surrounding, freshwater lakes. The award was presented to MLCI at the 2003 NALMS International Conference held in Connecticut this year, and was given in recognition of the Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute's "Effective and Creative" educational programs.

Jeff Schloss of the University of New Hampshire and outgoing President of NALMS presented the award to the Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute's education team attending the conference which included Director of Education Dr. Mary Ann McGarry, Lake Science Educator Warren Miskell, and Executive Director Ship Bright.

"This excellence award for public education and outreach recognizes the effective and creative education programs that MLCI has created," stated Elizabeth Herron of the University of Rhode Island and chairperson of this year's conference. "MLCI's efforts in building awareness, understanding, and appreciation for our freshwater natural resources are critical to the effective management of our lakes for the benefit of our communities, economy, and our environment."

"Creating and delivering the finest educational experience we can offer is our foremost goal," remarked Executive Director Bright. "This award acknowledges the superlative educational product developed by our Director of Education Mary Ann McGarry and her team". Bright added, "Receiving no tax dollars to pay for our operations, we are very grateful for this recognition that validates the personal support people have given us. Coming on the heels of the Environmental Merit Award we received last spring from the Environmental Protection Agency, this has all of us excited about expanding our educational opportunities and programs."

The North American Lake Management Society's membership is in over 20 countries with active chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Its annual international conference will be held in Victoria, British Columbia next year.