Essay length: 1000 to 1200 words

Topics: Various themes might be addressed such as:

• an analysis of threats to Maine's environment;
• present state of Maine's environment and what can be done to improve it;
• the relationship between a healthy environment and healthy communities;
• what future state of the environment should Maine citizens work for;
• the ecological relationship between forests, watersheds, fishing grounds, communities;
• the harvesting of Maine's resources and environment's sustainably;
• how to mobilize people to be concerned about the environment;
• the consequences if impacts on the environment are ignored.

Essays will be judged on their understanding of ecological interrelationships and originality in analysis or providing novel solutions to environmental problems or conceptions of the future for the Maine environment.

Photographs: can be slides, color prints, or black and white prints.

There are examples all around us of the wanton misuse of the earth. There are also good examples of positive ecological relationships with the earth. FEN is offering a scholarship prize for the best submission of two photographs - one illustrating a positive ecological relationship and the other an example of the misue of the earth. These photographs can be of, but not limited to, the ocean, shore, watershed, rivers, lakes, forest, land, flora, birds, animals, atmosphere, etc.

 Submit essay and photo entries to:  Executive Director
                                                               Forest Ecology Network
                                                               P.O. Box 2218
                                                               Augusta, ME 04338

Deadline: July 3, Forest Interdependence Day

Announcement of Awards: September 15

FEN reserves the right the use all essays and photographs submitted in its work with author noted.