Every two years, the City of Issaquah recognizes community members or organizations that have shown exceptional efforts and dedication to the environment and the surrounding community. The two winners will be recognized at the Environmental Board meeting on April 28 at 6 p.m.
The Ruth & Dan Kees Award for a Sustainable Environment honors the legacy of Ruth Kees, a grassroots activist for more than four decades who advocated for preservation of landmarks and natural areas. The award that is made in her honor aims to recognize individuals or organizations which have resulted in clear benefits to the environment and long-term sustainability of the Issaquah community.
This year, the Ruth & Dan Kees Award is granted to community member Larry Franks, who has spent over 20 years advocating and educating about environmental stewardship and protecting salmon.
Larry currently serves as a Vice President of Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH), and he is also a member of the Kokanee Work Group (KWG), an inter-agency collaboration to save the kokanee salmon. He is also an active member of the Issaquah Environmental Council.
Larry has shown his lifelong dedication to environmental leadership with his tireless advocacy for protecting wildlife and habitat, and working with local and regional organizations and governments in order to pass policies that protect the environment.
The other award is the Community Environmental Award, and this year it is granted to community member Ann Fletcher.
Ann is a founding member of the Issaquah People for Climate Action, which provides vital input and support for environmental policy and climate actions in the City. She regularly attends City and County public hearings and provides suggestions on how to strengthen environmental and climate policies. Ann is also a member of Citizens’ Climate Lobby and Issaquah Alps Trails Club. Her tireless efforts include helping and mentoring high school students on environmental and food waste reduction projects.
Thank you for all the work you do, Larry and Ann!