JEFFERSON, LA -- The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) announced the recipients of the 2017 Coastal Stewardship Awards at the 22nd Annual Stewardship Awards Banquet on Friday, April 7, 2017, at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. 
 
The awards honor individuals and organizations who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the coast and have made significant contributions to the restoration and conservation of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands.
 
Jefferson Parish is proud to announce that Marnie Winter received the 2017 Distinguished Achievement Award. Marnie began in 1982 holding several positions in the Environmental Affairs department.  Currently, she is the department’s Assistant Director.
 
Under Marnie’s leadership, Jefferson Parish’s Santa Save the Marsh program has increased awareness of coastal erosion by involving Jefferson Parish residents and volunteers from across the region.  They have recycled over 750,000 Christmas trees by placing them in the marsh to combat erosion.  During Marnie’s 35-year tenure with Jefferson Parish, she has brought much needed awareness to the coastal crisis in Louisiana.
 
Marnie has served as coordinator of Parishes against Coastal Erosion (PACE), a coalition of Louisiana coastal parish presidents.  PACE created in 2003 to develop local government strategies and actions to improve the existing dialogue between the parishes, and build citizen awareness of the issues associated with coastal marsh loss.