| July 6, 2000
King County Wildlife Program Named Semifinalist in National Competition The King County Wildlife Program has been named a semifinalist in the Innovations in American Government competition, a nationally recognized, public service award honoring government initiatives that are original and effective. The Wildlife Program was selected from a pool of more than 1,300 nation-wide applicants, representing federal, state, and local programs. The King County Wildlife Program, directed by Issaquah native Dr. Kate Stenberg, protects wildlife and habitat in the rapidly developing Puget Sound area. Anyone who's called in a bear or cougar sighting to the county or has been monitoring herons in their neighborhood, has probably worked with Stenberg. "Because of our region's unique urban and rural blend it calls for an innovative service like this, which teaches us about the wildlife with which we share our environment," said Pam Bissonnette, Director of the King County Department of Natural Resources, which oversees the Wildlife Program. "The fact that its success has been recognized on a national level by such a prestigious group is an honor, of which I'm very proud," she said. The Wildlife Program was established in 1992 to respond to citizen concerns that wildlife habitats were not being adequately protected. Since then it has developed into a comprehensive program that addresses wildlife protection issues throughout the county. Through incentives, education, policy development, and implementation of regulations, the Wildlife Program works to integrate the interests of the community with that of the wildlife present in those communities. The Innovations in American Government Awards are sponsored by the Ford Foundation and administered by Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government in partnership with the Council for Excellence in Government. Semifinalists were selected based on the originality of their approach, effectiveness, value of service and potential for replication in other jurisdictions. In September, 25 finalists will be named and ten winners will be announced October 13. Winners will receive $100,000 from the Ford Foundation. The remaining 15 finalists will receive $20,000. For information about the King County Wildlife Program call (206) 296-7266; write to Kate Stenberg; or visit http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/LANDS/wildlife.htm. - end -
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