ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 1, 2009 – Time is running out to help the BoatUS Foundation honor those who have made a significant contribution towards improving waterway health and educating boaters about environmental issues.  The 2009 BoatUS Foundation Environmental Leadership Award will be given to a group, organization, company, marina or individual who has worked hard to make a difference — but only if local boaters help the Foundation identify nominees.  The deadline to apply is June 30, 2009.

“Look around you and you may find a person, business or local organization who has made a real impact,” said Susan Shingledecker, director of environmental programs for the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water.  “For example, the award could go to a group that has cleaned up miles of beaches, a hometown marina that has led the way in helping keep our waterways clean, or a boat club member who has spearheaded a local environmental education campaign,” she added. The winner also receives $1,000 to help continue their environmental efforts.

The award was created to complement the efforts of the BoatUS Foundation, which has a long history of working with waterway users, marinas and local organizations throughout the country to help bring environmental messages directly to boaters.

Applications and more information about the award are available at http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation.  Any questions may be directed to Susan Shingledecker at SShingledecker@BoatUS.com.

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About BoatUS Foundation:

Founded in 1981, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and research organization primarily funded by the voluntary contributions of the 600,000 members of BoatUS  It excels in providing safe, smart and clean boating resources for boat owners nationwide.