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| Staff photo/Kathy McCarty Four individuals received the Allagash Award for 20 years or more of dedicated support to the Natural Resource Council of Maine, during a meeting July 23 held at UMPI’s Campus Center. Pictured in front from left are award recipients: Bonnie Wood and Thurley Briggs. In back: Lisa Pohlmann, NRCM’s executive director; and award recipients Stephen Wood and Kathryn Olmstead. |
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Officials with the Natural Resource Council of Maine recently recognized several local members with the newly-created Allagash Award. The award will be presented annually to individuals and groups who have been members of NRCM for 20 years or more, who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to protecting Maine’s environment.
The awards were presented by NRCM’s Executive Director Lisa Pohlmann during a meeting held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Campus Center on July 23.
“Jim Briggs’ father was one of NRCM’s founders. We created this award for whoever has given to us for 20 years or more. A total of 875 members have,” said Pohlmann.
Presque Isle’s meeting was one of five held across the state.
“Because there are so many members, we decided to host events around the state. This was our fourth of five meetings. Meetings were scheduled for Wayne, Portland, Damariscotta, Presque Isle and Ellsworth,” she said.
Pohlmann said the dedication and commitment of members is very much appreciated.
“I want to say I know how passionate you are. You’ve stood with us when big companies wanted to come in and cut our trees and pollute our waters. Since 1959 we’ve been the leading environmental organization in the state,” said Pohlmann.
She noted that the Maine chapter is just one of several such organizations in the U.S., working to protect natural resources.
“There are over 16,000 members across the country. We’re a big effective force,” she said.
According to Pohlmann, it’s up to voters to choose wisely when election time comes.
“Not everyone cares as we do about clean air and water. It’s possible to not elect them to office,” Pohlmann said.
Though not a native of Maine, she said she’s grown to appreciate the state she now calls home.
“I moved here at 24 from Iowa. I realized a long time ago how important it was to take care of this place. NRCM’s a shining star and has had a big impact in Maine. How proud I am to stand on the shoulders of people like Jim Briggs,” said Pohlmann.
Following a slide presentation on the history of NRCM, awards were presented to the following individuals for 20 years or more with the organization: Thurley Briggs, of Caribou, whose husband helped found the NRCM and who continues to be an active member; Kathryn Olmstead, of Caribou; and Stephen and Bonnie Wood, of Presque Isle.
For more information about the organization or how to become involved, visit www.nrcm.org.
