DNR ecologists receive public service awards

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Eight staff ecologists of the DNR Division of Nature Preserves received public service awards during The Conservation Law Center’s annual dinner last week in Indianapolis.

The law center’s inaugural Distinguished Career Public Service Awards were presented to division director John Bacone, Brian Abrell, Lee Casebere, Rich Dunbar, Cloyce Hedge, Roger Hedge, Mike Homoya and Tom Post. Each has worked for the DNR and/or nature preserve protection for more than 30 years.

“Their expertise and hard work has allowed the DNR to assemble a system of nature preserves that protects many of Indiana’s most extraordinary natural areas, plants and wildlife,” said DNR director Rob Carter. “The awards are well deserved recognition from an organization that provides a valuable service.”

The law center’s inaugural awards honor dedication, perseverance and collaborative skills, and results achieved in conservation.

“The Conservation Law Center considers the remarkable dedication and achievement of these individuals worthy of singular recognition, and fitting choices for our inaugural award,” said W. William Weeks, director of the CLC.

The DNR Division of Nature Preserves protects the best remaining natural areas in Indiana. Indiana's Nature Preserve law sets forth a process of dedication for significant natural areas. Dedicated areas are permanently protected, to be preserved as pristine natural areas for all the people of Indiana. For more, see the DNR's website.

The CLC, based in Bloomington, provides legal counsel without charge to conservation organizations, works to improve conservation law and policy, and (partnering with the Indiana University Maurer School of Law) offers law students clinical experience in the practice of law and the profession’s public service tradition. The CLC has clients in Indiana, around the Great Lakes, and across the country.