hoytaward

Joshua Tree National Park Association,

74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

mail@joshuatree.org (760) 367-5525

2011 Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award

Call for Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the eighth annual Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award. Please download and complete both sides of the Nomination Form, and return it to the Joshua Tree National Park Association by January 31, 2012.

Purpose

In 1930, Minerva Hamilton Hoyt created the International Deserts Conservation League to promote the conservation of desert lands worldwide. Her tireless efforts led directly to the establishment of Joshua Tree National Monument in 1936. She was perhaps the first great desert conservationist. The Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award recognizes annually individuals or organizations that have worked to further Mrs. Hoyt's legacy by making notable achievements in the areas of leadership, protection, preservation, research, education, and stewardship of California's desert lands. The award seeks to recognize an individual or persons whose efforts lead to a significant and lasting contribution on behalf of the deserts of California.

Eligibility

Any person or group is eligible to receive the award except for Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA) board of directors or staff and members of their immediate families. Non-residents of California are eligible but nominations must be for conservation accomplishments in the California deserts. Candidates must be at least 18 years old.

Criteria

Nominees will have made a notable achievement on behalf of the deserts of California in one or more of the following areas:

Provided leadership resulting in laws, regulations, public policies, or other practices that promote improved stewardship of California desert lands and resources

Developed scientific research leading to improved conservation knowledge, techniques or strategies

Fostered partnerships and collaborations that promote desert stewardship, or

Created a stronger public stewardship through education and outreach activities

Nomination and Selection Procedures

The Joshua Tree National Park Association oversees the annual nomination and selection process. Nominations will be accepted from any interested individual or organization, but self-nominations will not be considered. JTNPA staff will review all submissions for eligibility, and qualifying nominations will be forwarded to the Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award selection committee, which will select one award winner. The award winner will be notified by mid-February, 2012.

Presentation of the Award

The award will be presented during a public event at a location appropriate to the award.