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Miller, Vice Chair of the Council’s Natural
Resources, Parks and Open Space Committee, said her commitment to the
environment started before she became a member of the County Council. Miller
said before being sworn in, she was already working with the County’s
Parks and Recreation Department on ways to revitalize Cottage Lake Park in
Woodinville. That effort has led to measures to protect Cottage Creek while
increasing access to the park. "I was recently at small stream in the
park, heard a sound, and looked down to see a spawning chinook," Miller
said. "I don’t know where its partner was, but I think they were
coming here to tell me thank you for fixing the stream."
The Earth Hero of the Year honors the contributions made by the recipient
towards the protection of King County’s environment. It’s part of the
King County Earth Legacy Initiative, which celebrates the effort of
individuals, organizations and businesses in protecting the County’s
environment. Earth Hero nominations are submitted monthly by King
County employees and residents. Criteria for consideration includes impact
on the environment, level and quality of engagement, and ability to involve
the public in making change. Past award winners include the late
environmental activist Ursula Judkins.
Sims called Miller, who is retiring from the council at the end of
the year, a tireless advocate for the environment. He recognized Miller’s
support of the King County Conservation Futures Bond, which has protected
thousands of acres of open space, and lauded Miller’s work on the Public
Benefits Rating System Program, the Waterways 2000 Program and in the
creation of the King County Agriculture Commission. "I’m sorry to see
Louise go, but she is leaving an incredible legacy and is well deserving of
the award," said Sims. "Her work on the council won’t go
unnoticed now or in the future."
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Councilmember Louise Miller
(left) recognized by County Executive Ron Sims as King County's Earth Hero
of the Year.
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