Lake Spirit Awards recognize real people making real progress in conserving Lake Tahoe’s unique natural environment. Nominations are open for this year’s contest.

The awards honor those committed to a spirit of cooperation and protecting Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency created the Lake Spirit Awards in 2011 to recognize individuals showing exceptional commitment to the Lake Tahoe Basin. The awards expanded the following year to include categories for exemplary citizen and agency representative/environmental scientist. A winner from the North Shore and South Shore will be selected in each category.

The nomination form is online. The deadline to submit is March 23.