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PURPOSE

This program honors residential, commercial and public development projects in the Lower Cape Fear Region that demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship through the protection, conservation, improvement, and awareness of our natural resources.

LEVELS OF DISTINCTION:

Outstanding Recognition is the highest level of distinction available in the Stewardship Development Program. This honor is only bestowed on projects that have achieved high marks in all applicable criteria. The project must be sufficiently complete and demonstrate accomplishment or expected accomplishment of project goals to receive Outstanding Recognition status.

Significant Achievement is the next level of achievement. A project may not be eligible for Outstanding Recognition for a variety of reasons. This is based on 1) level of project completion or 2) accomplishment of applicable criteria. Unlike Outstanding Recognition, an approved Project Plan (at any level of the process) may receive a Significant Achievement Award. Secondly, if a project falls short on one or more criteria, the Selection Committee may elect to spotlight specific aspects of a project with a Significant Achievement Award.

Special Recognition may be conferred to a project that does not qualify for the Outstanding or Significant Achievement Awards. Special recognition may be awarded if there are elements of the project that the judges believe warrant some level of recognition, but the project does not meet the criteria for which Outstanding and Significant Distinctions are awarded.

REQUIREMENTS:

Project must be located in New Hanover, Brunswick, or Pender Counties.
Project must be in compliance with or exceed all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Participating Developer/Owner must allow visits to site by the Selection Committee and provide additional information as requested for evaluating the project.

If a project is awarded, it is subject to future periodic evaluation by the Selection Committee.
The Selection Committee, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to revoke recognition for failure to comply with program requirements or criteria.

An independent Selection Committee, made up of recognized experts in applicable fields, will review the applications. Projects may be determined worthy of Outstanding Recognition or Significant Achievement awards. The sponsoring agencies will appoint professionals to serve as members of this independent Selection Committee.

AWARD CRITERIA:

Applications will be judged on the overall creativity, design, and environmental impacts of projects. Primary emphasis will be placed on the following criteria, applicable to the project. Please note that these criteria are intended to serve as guidelines only, and that it is not necessary to meet all the criteria. Not all categories will apply to most projects.

1) Site Inventory & Development Plan Site evaluation (soils, drainage, wildlife, vegetation, etc.) Preservation of natural features, open spaces and habitat Establishment of neighborhood connectivity
2) Water Quality Protection Erosion control and sediment reduction Innovative stormwater management Surface and groundwater protection Floodplain, wetland and riparian preservation and/or restoration
3) Green Building Choice of construction and building materials and methods Preservation of natural features during construction Energy efficiency and water conservation
4) Wetland Riparian Preservation/Restoration Protection of existing wetlands Enhancement of riparian buffers Preservation of existing topography and natural features
5) Habitat Protection/Improvement Protection and/or restoration of native plant and animal communities Wildlife management efforts Preservation of open space and wildlife corridors
6) Vegetation Protection/Enhancement Utilization of native vegetation in landscaping plan Eradication of invasive exotic plant species Preservation and management of existing trees
7) Natural Project Amenities Integration of development with the natural landscape Protection of outstanding landscape views Neighborhood-enhancing recreation areas
8) Long-term Management and Maintenance Long-term resource protection through conservation easements Identification of funding source and organization to implement the conservation management plan Pet management and homeowner education
9) Community Outreach/Education Public education on natural features and/or processes present on the site. Publicity, marketing campaign, and community outreach on the environmental benefits (open space, wildlife habitat, water quality) of the development. General public education of financial and quality of life benefits of low impact development
10) Re-use/Revitalization of Existing Site Environmental assessment of natural systems and/or environmental issues Creative re-use of existing site Innovative approach to revitalization of an existing site or facility

A more detailed description of these criteria and guidelines for submitting an application can also be downloaded from the website.

RECOGNITION:

Stewardship Development honorees receive promotion through:

1) Acceptance into awards program

2) Exposure through releases and related literature

3) Awards banquet

4) Display of approved Stewardship Development signage on site (Outstanding Recognition status only)

5) Use of Stewardship Development logo in promotional materials for the site or project (Outstanding Recognition status only)

Significant Achievement awardees can only use their designation in marketing text (use of Stewardship Development logo is not permitted).

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