Submitted by Don’t Leave It to Beaver
At the annual “Greening the Statehouse” meeting held last Saturday, 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.
Tuesday, Oct. 18 marked 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, policymakers, and representatives who have worked to clean up and protect Indiana-area waterways, lakes, and groundwater sources.
DLITB is thankful to HEC for being trusted partners during the 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 people’s first acts of community remonstration.
DLITB also extends its appreciation to community members – the thousands of folks who 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 Noblesville city officials who recognized the importance of proactively defending the city’s clean water supply. Specifically, DLITB thanks the following Noblesville Common Council members for voting in defense of the 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