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'Elect to Conserve' Campaign Will Help PA Conservation Effort

Posted on: Wednesday, 1 October 2008, 12:00 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is offering an election campaign with a twist this fall, inviting Pennsylvania residents to vote online from among five candidates and their favorite conservation causes.

The "Elect to Conserve" candidates are five PA iCons -- people who already do things in their everyday lives to help address alarming environmental trends -- who have been featured on the Web site for the iConserve Pennsylvania initiative, http://www.iconservepa.org/.

"Elect to Conserve is a fun way to draw attention to serious conservation topics in Pennsylvania," DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said. "When you cast your vote for your favorite candidate, you will be showing your support for the candidates' chosen environmental cause via a conservation organization. The winning candidate's affiliated organization will receive $5,000 to put toward a conservation project."

The candidates, their cause and non-profit organizations are: -- Debbie Kirkpatrick, native species and habitat, Wild Resource Conservation Fund -- Montrell Wilkerson, water conservation and quality, Pennsylvania Environmental Council -- Norm Lacasse, trees and forests, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation -- Carl Lorence, trails and volunteers, Keystone Trails Association -- Dana Lomma, open space and land conservation, Pennsylvania Land Trust Association The funds for the donation are being provided by a private foundation.

The candidates have each recorded a video outlining their interest in their conservation cause. The videos can be viewed on the iConservePA Web site.

Voters will be eligible to enter a drawing for a backyard stewardship package consisting of a rain barrel and a composter, courtesy of the Spruce Creek Co., based in Warriors Mark, Huntingdon County.

The online contest runs from Oct. 1 through midnight on Nov. 4.

The iConserve Pennsylvania initiative is meant to remind everyone that as individuals, we play a critical role in the future of Pennsylvania's natural resources.

Web site visitors can subscribe to a free monthly electronic newsletter that includes fun facts, green tips and conservation-related events and activities. Also featured are simple commitments, next steps and lifestyle change ideas that can help anyone become familiar with conservation, grow their interest, and take action.

PA iCons are featured on the Web site. Twelve "founding" iCons demonstrate some conservation practices needed to combat Pennsylvania's core environmental challenges. More than 100 others have shared their conservation story by filling out a profile with their own tips, stories and favorite places in Pennsylvania.

CONTACT: Christina Novak

(717) 772-9101

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

CONTACT: Christina Novak of PA Department of Conservation and NaturalResources, +1-717-772-9101

Web Site: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/http://www.iconservepa.org/

Source: PRNewswire-USNewswire

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