Restoring and protecting the lower Columbia River and estuary requires the efforts of many people and groups. The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership recognizes and celebrates the hard work and dedication it takes to protect and restore the river with our Steward of the Year Award.  

The annual award, instituted in 2001 and presented during our Annual Dinner, recognizes exceptional stewardship by a group, entity, organization, business, government agency, or individual towards the restoration and protection of the lower Columbia River and estuary in the past year.  

Recipients will have demonstrated outstanding stewardship and commitment to the protection and conservation of the lower Columbia River. Stewards of the Year represent any sector of the community and any area of focus of the Estuary Partnership:  
 • habitat protection
 • water quality
 • land conservation and protection
 • education and community engagement
 • leadership  

Nomination rules:
1. Nominees should be involved in one of the above areas of focus within the Estuary Partnership’s study area (the watershed from Bonneville Dam to the Pacific Ocean).
2. In 2020 and 2021, we didn’t get to recognize the hard work being done by stewards in our community. So as you think about this year’s award, consider nominations that include work and accomplishments from all of 2020 through 2022.
3. Self-nominations are allowed.
4. Current members of the Estuary Partnership staff and Board of Directors are not eligible to win.
5. Estuary Partnership staff and Board members can make nominations.
6. Nominations must be received by July 26, 2022.
7. People are encouraged to use the online nomination form below. Nominations can also be made in writing and sent to the Estuary Partnership office: 400 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232. Attn: Erinne Goodell.
8. Awardees will be selected by a panel of Estuary Partnership staff, and will be informed by August 3.


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