New York – Congressman Bob Turner (NY-9) announced today that he has sent letters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to nominate two local community groups, the Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers and Civics United for Railroad Environmental Solutions (CURES), for a 2012 Environmental Quality Award.“These two organizations work tirelessly to protect the quality and integrity of our environment. It is important that they be recognized for their hard work and I am honored to nominate them,” Congressman Turner said.Since its inception in 1998, the Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers have stood firm in their mission to protect and restore Jamaica Bay, a salt marsh covering 25,000 acres.“Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers have led the charge and taken the lead on so many projects to protect our local marshland. They have documented nitrogen loading, algae blooms, and marsh loss; raised public awareness of the possible disappearance of all marshland from the bay by 2020; and worked to prevent City owned wetlands from being auctioned off for development,” Turner said. “Organizations such as Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers work to preserve the natural beauty of our great city and for that they should be recognized.”Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers were honored by the nomination and the efforts of Congressman Turner on behalf of local environmental issues.“As president of the Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers, I was pleased to learn that Congressman Turner has nominated this organization for an EPA 2012 Environmental Quality Award,” organization president Dan Mundy, Sr. said. “The members of this organization have worked tirelessly to advocate for the treasured natural resource that is Jamaica Bay. It is very rewarding to have this type of recognition afforded to our efforts, and it will certainly help to highlight and advance our future efforts to protect this unique and wonderful ecological jewel. We not only appreciate this action on Congressman Turner’s part, but all of the efforts and attention that his office has directed towards Jamaica Bay, its issues, and restoration efforts since coming to office. ”
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