Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids was recognized for three categories for the Resilient Iowa Communities (RIC) Awards at the Iowa State Capitol today (Tuesday). Offered through the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Energy and Environmental Education, the recognition program awards cities, counties and other organizations a bronze, silver or gold status on practices being implemented on six different categories. Those include building and energy, land use, transportation, environmental management, economics and community development and environmental equity and inclusion. Whiterock Conservancy earned a gold status for land use and environmental management, meaning the non-profit land trust completed three or more actions identified in those categories for developing a master site plan for guiding conservation practices, engaging volunteers and community partners by applying land management initiatives. A silver status was earned for buildings and energy, implementing at least two actions in the category for installing energy-efficient windows, low-wattage LED lighting and reducing light pollution. Pictures from the award presentation can be found included below.
