Four people who possess a strong commitment to preserving Lake Tahoe were recognized this week at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s Governing Board meeting.

The Lake Spirit Awards honor people who have made progress at restoring Lake Tahoe.

Awards were given in two categories, exemplary citizen and exemplary agency representative or environmental scientist. This year’s winners are:

Exemplary citizen

Rebecca Bryson, South Shore, is a member of the Community Mobility Working Group, which advocates for improved community connections. Bryson also spearheaded a composting program in Lake Tahoe Unified School District elementary schools and was the lead organizer for the Sierra House growing domes project, generating more than $100,000 for its construction.

The Murphy Family, North Shore, consisting of Shawn, Angie, Tyler, and Savannah, are committed to fighting aquatic invasive species in Lake Tahoe. Through their business, Wet Leprechaun Dive Services, the Murphys have physically remove aquatic invasive weeds from iconic Tahoe locations, including Emerald Bay. The Murphy family also champions public education about aquatic invasive species in an effort to grow awareness of this threat to Lake Tahoe.

Exemplary Agency Representative or Environmental Scientist

Joy Barney, South Shore, of the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit founded the Generation Green of Lake Tahoe Program, which educates high school students about the environment and gives them work and volunteer experience through the Forest Service. She helped found the South Tahoe Environmental Education Coalition, providing 1,500 hours of environmental education in local schools annually.

Madonna Dunbar, North Shore, of the Incline Village General Improvement District and Tahoe Water Suppliers Association promotes environmental programs in Incline Village and around the Region. Her work on the IVGID Waste Not Program reaches over 200,000 people every year. She promotes water conservation and encourages people to Drink Tahoe Tap.