The National Association of Counties (NACo) has recognized Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management (ERM) with two 2006 Achievement Awards. The awards are given to counties for creative and innovative program development and implementation, efficient administrative management and responsible government to local citizens.
ERM was honored for its Lake Worth Lagoon (LWL) Bird Survey and the Peanut Island/Snook Island Natural Area.
The LWL Bird Survey, a winner in the “Volunteers” program category, was a cooperative effort among the County, the Audubon Society of the Everglades and the West Palm Beach Fishing Club.
The LWL system was divided into zones to facilitate the bird count. Volunteer birders and boaters then documented 89 different species and more than 14,000 total birds utilizing the lagoon for foraging, habitat and/or nesting habits.
The Peanut Island/Snook Island Natural Area Project was a winner in the “Environmental Protection and Energy” program category. This innovative project was a cooperative effort with Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, the City of Lake Worth, the Florida Inland Navigation District, the Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Florida. Approximately 28 acres of public access and environmental enhancement features were created on Peanut Island after the removal of 1.2 million cubic yards of dredged spoil material. The spoil material was transported by barge 10 miles south to the Snook Islands Natural Area, in the central part of LWL, where it was used to create 100 acres of good quality wetland habitat. Extensive shorebird utilization of the Snook Island Natural Area, as revealed by the bird survey and staff observations, is just one of several ways that this project has already demonstrated its ability to function as a viable wetland system.
NACo Achievement Awards are given in more than 20 categories ranging from arts and historic preservation to volunteerism. All counties and state associations of counties are eligible to apply. In this 37th year of the program, NACo is extremely proud to recognize hard work to promote responsible, responsive and effective county government. This year’s winners represent 27 states and 95 countries.
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