MCRP receives two
environmental awards in 2004

Left to right: ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management Chief Mike Sponsler, MCRP's AmeriCorpsVISTA volunteer Tim Braun, Watershed Coordinator Mike Steinmaus and Rebecca Black, Water Quality Specialist

ODNR: 2004 Minerals Education Award

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has presented its 2004 Minerals Education Award to Monday Creek Restoration Project (MCRP), a Rural Action effort based in New Straitsville, Ohio. MCRP Coordinator Mike Steinmaus accepted the award at a ceremony at the Applied Research Conference in Athens, Ohio on December 8, 2004.

In bestowing its honor, Division of Mineral Resources Management Chief Mike Sponsler said, "Over the past ten years, the MCRP staff and assigned VISTAs (Volunteers In Service To America) have conducted outreach activities that have stressed the involvement of the communities in stewardship of watershed lands and waters. Educational outreach programs presented by Monday Creek Restoration Project have significantly impacted southeastern Ohio’s watershed communities."

Ohio Environmental Council:
2004 Conservation Achievement of the Year Award

On November 6, 2004, the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) honored Monday Creek Restoration Project with the 2004 Conservation Achievement of the Year Award, which recognizes the diligence, dedication and passion of Ohioans who demonstrate tremendous leadership and achievement in protecting the state’s natural environment. "Once again, history is in the making in New Straitsville," said OEC Public Affairs Director Jack Shaner, "and thanks to the Monday Creek Restoration Project and tireless leadership of its innovative leader, Mike Steinmaus, the headwaters of the Monday Creek watershed will once again flow clear."

MCRP, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, serves Athens, Hocking and Perry County citizens. Most area residents, knowing Monday Creek as a "sulfur" creek running orange or turquoise and having a sulfur smell, have never imagined stream conditions improving or actually catching fish from the creek. "Our staff, volunteers and partners have tirelessly worked to inform adults and youth of the benefits of clean water and a healthy environment," said Steinmaus. "These awards reflect the efforts of numerous individuals who have promoted environmental stewardship."

by Steve Zarate, AmeriCorps*VISTA
January 12, 2005