Hoosier Environmental Council Awards DLITB with Frontline Organizer of the Year Award during Annual Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WESTFIELD — On October 15 at the annual “Greening the Statehouse” meeting, the Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) awarded local community group Don’t Leave It to Beaver (DLITB) with the Frontline Organizer of the Year award, honoring the grassroots effort to ensure clean water and protect the environment by opposing the gravel pit operation near Potter’s Bridge Park and the White River in Noblesville.

The gravel pit proposal was first submitted in the fall of 2020, and posed potential risks to the water supply in nearby underground aquifers. It was ultimately rejected by the city’s Common Council this past June after a considerable number of Hoosiers, led by DLITB, organized against it.

This Tuesday, October 18, 2022, marks 50 years since the passage of the Clean Water Act— one of the United States’ first and most influential environmental laws. As such, “Greening the Statehouse” focused on Clean Water, hosting individual citizens, policy makers, and representatives that have worked to clean up and protect Indiana-area waterways, lakes, and groundwater sources.

DLITB is thankful to the Hoosier Environmental Council for being trusted partners during this two year long process to oppose the gravel pit and steadfast advocates during City of Noblesville government meetings. Their expertise and guidance on how local processes work was invaluable as members of the community navigated what was many’s first acts of community remonstration.

We also extend our appreciation to our community members— the thousands of folks that signed the petitions, spread the word online and off, wrote to government officials, volunteered, spoke publicly, and peacefully protested. This award belongs to all of you.

DLITB is also grateful to our city officials who recognized the importance of proactively defending our clean water supply. Specifically, we thank the following Noblesville Common Councilors for voting in defense of our community:

  • Brian Ayer, at-large

  • Mark Boice, at-large

  • Darren Peterson, at-large

  • Pete Schwartz, district 2

  • Aaron Smith, district 3

  • Dan Spartz, district 4

  • Megan Wiles, district 6

Moving forward, Don’t Leave It to Beaver will be sharing information regarding candidates in upcoming local elections so that the community can make informed decisions. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive updates on the local Noblesville and Hamilton County candidates for 2023 and 2024.

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To be added to press updates, email stopbeaver@gmail.com.

Don't Leave It to Beaver supports the City of Noblesville in fulfilling its responsibility to provide for the welfare and safety of all neighborhoods, by engaging citizens to take an active role in assuring legislative compliance with purposeful ordinances that undergird the Comprehensive Master Plan.

Rachael Raymer