Miller Awarded for Conservation Efforts

Former U.S. Senator and Georgia Governor Zell Miller, ’51, was recently presented with the Rock Howard Conservation Award during the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) board meeting held in the Rollins Campus Center on the Young Harris College campus.

Gov. Miller was recognized by the DNR for his efforts to improve the environment by passing legislation concerning environmental and natural resource causes including programs to protect the steep slopes of the North Georgia mountains and Georgia’s river corridors, expanding public parks, forests, and natural and wildlife areas, and supporting the creation of the “Give Wildlife a Chance” vehicle tag to provide funds for the nongame wildlife fund.

During his tenure, Gov. Miller also passed legislation creating the Pollution Prevention Assistance Division within the DNR to assist businesses with hazardous waste management. He also signed into law the Hazardous Site Response Act to clean waste sites not eligible for federal Superfund monies and the Solid Waste Trust Fund Act to clear old junkyards. He also provided more than $300 million in loan funds to local governments for water and wastewater infrastructure needs.

The Rock Howard Conservation Award was established to recognize an environmental and natural resource leader who possesses the passion and success of environmentalist and Director of the Environmental Protection Division of the DNR Rock Howard, and serves as a reminder of what one person with a vision and strength can set in motion. A nomination committee solicits award candidates to make a recommendation.

The DNR has statewide responsibilities for the management and conservation of Georgia’s natural and cultural resources. Most of this work is conducted by DNR’s six operating divisions which include: Coastal Resources Division; Environmental Protection Division; Historic Preservation Division; Law Enforcement Division; Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division; and Wildlife Resources Division. The Board of Natural Resources, which is appointed by the Governor, oversees rulemaking for the agency.

A graduate of the College, Gov. Miller serves as a Lifetime Member of the YHC Board of Trustees.