LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District is hosting five public workshops in February to discuss proposed changes in operations at 29 of its parks because of budget cuts.

Although there will be no group presentations, the public is invited to drop by any time during the workshops and talk one on one with Corps representatives about the proposed recreational changes, provide input and learn more about volunteer and potential partnership opportunities. Written comments will also be accepted at the workshops. 

The Corps is looking for partners willing to take over operations and maintenance duties at affected facilities to help keep them from closing.

For individuals interested in the proposed recreational changes at Clearwater Lake, the workshop will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 9, at the Clearwater Project Office adjacent to Clearwater Dam in Piedmont, Mo.

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Arkansas Environmental Stewardship Award, the agency’s annual recognition of citizens or organizations for their efforts to protect and enhance the state’s environment. Nomination packets must be postmarked by March 16, 2012, in order to be considered for the award, which will be presented at the April 26, 2012, regular meeting of the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology commission.

The “ENVY Award” was established in 2005 to honor a major contribution by an individual or organization involving environmental stewardship activities in Arkansas.

The award recipient will be selected from among the entries in five different categories of environmental-related activities or concepts: Innovation, Green Government, Environmental Education and Outreach, Environmental Improvement or Enhancement, and Sustainability.