Published: July 03, 2009 06:00 pm         

DNR honors Wabash Valley residents

Four Wabash Valley residents were honored June 6 during the Indiana Division of the Izaak Walton League of America Inc. state convention and awards banquet at the Fort Wayne Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks and Reservoirs, presented each recipient with a custom framed art print by native Hoosier artist William Zimmerman, one of 18 different scenes of animal and plant life representative of each Indiana state park.

Environmental Achievement Awards went to chapter member Clara Walters of St. Bernice and to Tim Pittman, environmental/safety manager at Great Dane Trailers in Brazil, for their environmental or conservation achievements since last April.

A Clinton Chapter IWLA member wrote Pittman and Great Dane a letter about the advantages of recycling in order to get a scrap pass to remove cans and bottles. The letter started a chain reaction that has resulted in a positive impact on the environment. In the past year, thanks to the efforts of Pittman, Great Dane has reduced its landfill by a significant amount — at least one-third — and is working toward even higher goals this year.

Walters was recognized for the work she has done with a recycling campaign. She has involved other companies and industries who are now recycling pop cans, plastic bottles, paper and cardboard. She also has been involved with the Indiana Rivers Watch program and monitors creeks and waterways for pollution, plant life and aquatic life in these areas. She is now extending this program to include her area schools. She is constantly keeping her chapter and division updated on pollution that is happening and affecting her region.

League member Michael Pierce of Clinton received the Gale Atwood Waltonian of the Year Award for performing distinguished service in the League at the Indiana Division level for a considerable period of time.

Pierce has been an active division leader as long has he has been a member of the Clinton Chapter. He started in 1995 as a state director and in 2002 became southern regional vice president. In 2007 he was elected to the Division Executive Board; he also serve on the Division Endowment Board, Division nominating committee, and Finance committee. He has been active with division Youth Camp for more than 10 years. In addition, he has held all of the offices at the Clinton Chapter and is active in all aspects of conservation at the local chapter.

Diane McBeath of Clinton was recognized for her dedication and service at the chapter level within the Indiana State Division. She received the Chapter Achiever Award for dedication to her chapter’s whole operation, whether environmental or administrative.

McBeath has been an active member for 10 years. She attends all the club functions and is always ready to work. At spot shoots she has worked in the kitchen, filling in where she is needed, has sold tip boards, emptied trash, cleaned tables or whatever else needed to be done. She serves on the Easter egg hunt, spot shoot, camp and the annual club picnic committees.