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Awards & Recognition

For more than half a century, NRCM’s work to protect Maine’s nature has been recognized by groups across the state and the country. We’re grateful to everyone who has honored that work and who shares our commitment to keeping Maine’s environment clean and healthy.

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A few honors we’re proud of

2008

Cooperative Conservation Award, U.S. Department of the Interior

With the Penobscot River Restoration Trust, for the unprecedented collaboration to restore 11 species of sea-run fish while rebalancing hydropower on the river.

2007

Climate Protection Award, U.S. EPA

For our work demonstrating how sea-level rise from global warming would affect the Maine coast, chosen by an international panel of judges.

2011

Lifetime Achievement Environmental Merit Award, U.S. EPA

Honoring longtime executive director Brownie Carson.

2022

eco-Excellence Award, ecomaine

For our work to pass the first-in-the-nation Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging law.

A legacy of recognition

A look back at the honors NRCM and our team have received since 1965:

  • 2022 — eco-Excellence Award, ecomaine — for work to pass the first-in-the-nation EPR for Packaging law.
  • 2015 — Women in Conservation Award, National Wildlife Federation — to NRCM CEO Lisa Pohlmann.
  • 2012 — Green Building Advocate of the Year, U.S. Green Building Council (Maine chapter) — for our work on energy, energy-efficient building codes, toxics, and Forest Stewardship Certification.
  • 2011 — Lifetime Achievement Environmental Merit Award, U.S. EPA — to executive director Brownie Carson.
  • 2008 — Cooperative Conservation Award, U.S. Department of the Interior — with the Penobscot River Restoration Trust, for restoring 11 species of sea-run fish while rebalancing hydropower.
  • 2007 — Climate Protection Award, U.S. EPA — for demonstrating the effects of sea-level rise on the Maine coast.
  • 2005 — Common Good Award, Bowdoin College — to executive director Brownie Carson.
  • 2005 — Environmental Award, Down East magazine — to Brownie Carson, for environmental leadership in Maine.
  • 2005 — Special Achievement Award, National Wildlife Federation — to Brownie Carson.
  • 2002 — Wildlands Protection Award, Northern Forest Alliance — for protecting the Baxter State Park Wildlands of the Northern Forest.
  • 1999–2000 — Gulf of Maine Visionary Award, Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment — to the Kennebec Coalition (including NRCM) for the effort to remove Edwards Dam.
  • 1999 — “Group of the Month,” League of Conservation Voters.
  • 1999 — Popular Science Award — to the Kennebec Coalition for the Edwards Dam removal.
  • 1999 — Affiliate of the Year Award, National Wildlife Federation — for the Edwards Dam effort and reducing toxic pollution in Maine.
  • 1999 — Affiliate of the Year Award, Atlantic Salmon Federation — for the NRCM-backed Kennebec Coalition’s Edwards Dam efforts.
  • 1998 — Certificate of Appreciation, U.S. EPA New England Region — to the Maine Forest Biodiversity Project.
  • 1997 — Grassroots Hall of Fame induction, Center for Health, Environment & Justice.
  • 1997 — Certificate of Recognition, EPA Transportation Partners — for healthier transportation choices in Maine.
  • 1997 — Maine State Award, New England Wild Flower Society — to NRCM staff attorney Catherine Johnson.
  • 1996 — Certificate of Recognition, EPA Transportation Partners.
  • 1993 — Special Teamwork Award, Governor John McKernan — for the toxics use reduction project with Maine’s metal product industry.
  • 1993 — Friend of Transit Award, Maine Transit Association — to NRCM staff attorney Beth Nagusky.
  • 1993 — National campaign recognition, Patagonia, Inc. — featuring NRCM’s effort to restore the Kennebec by removing Edwards Dam.
  • 1993 — Recognition from the Bicycle Coalition of Maine — for promoting bicycle access, safety, and education.
  • 1992 — Best Bet for Environmental Leadership, Center for Policy Alternatives — for the initiative to stop expansion of the Maine Turnpike.
  • 1992 — Environmental Leadership Award, New England Environmental Network — to the Campaign for Sensible Transportation.
  • 1992 — Maine Association of Planners Award — for “Sprawl Stoppers.”
  • 1991 — Best of Maine Readers’ Choice, First Place for Environmental Organizations, Maine Times.
  • 1990 — Maine Association of Planners Award — for “A Sense of Place.”
  • 1989 — Ruth S. Shaper Memorial Award, Maine Public Health Association.
  • 1985 — Environmental Award, Down East magazine.
  • 1983 — Silver Trout Award, Trout Unlimited Sunkhaze Stream Chapter.
  • 1982 — Distinguished Service Award, National Wildlife Federation.
  • 1970 — Award of Merit, American Association of Conservation Information.
  • 1969 — Conservation Award, National Wildlife Federation.
  • 1966 — Conservation Award, New England Outdoor Writers’ Association.
  • 1965 — Conservation Service Citation, National Wildlife Federation.

Protecting, restoring, and conserving Maine’s environment since 1959

Every one of these honors reflects the people who make this work possible. Join them.

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Penobscot River
Penobscot River looking at Old Town from Bradley, by NRCM member David Small