MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Every year in Meridian Township, people who positively impact the local environment are recognized by the Environmental Commission. The Commission awards businesses, residents, public servants, and others the Environmental Stewardship Award for their efforts.

This year, Assistant Chief of Police, Ken Plaga was awarded this honor for his efforts of working with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in order to put an end to chronic wasting disease in the area.

Chronic Wasting Disease has severely impacted the white-tail deer population in Meridian Township, however, Plaga continues to coordinate with the Michigan DNR to prevent this.

The awards were distributed at the Environmental Commission meeting on May 4. Although he could not be present at the meeting, Plaga was honored to have received this award.

"To receive the Environmental Stewardship Award is a great honor. I don't believe that it's just myself, I think it's an agency wide effort," said Plaga.

Anyone in the township can be nominated for the positive environmental efforts. The Environmental Commission reviews applications every year in order to determine who has been a great impact.