The Ohio Department of Natural Resources today awarded its highest honor to five individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the protection and enjoyment of the state's natural resources. Inducted into the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame were Jim Bissell from Cleveland, the late Robert Redett of Amlin, Jim Rinier from Kent, Bud Talbott from Cleveland, and Georgia Welles from Bowling Green.

The agency also presented its annual Cardinal Award for conservation achievement to Frank Phelps of Belle Center and Dick Sorg of Zanesville. The Director's Environmental Achievement Award was awarded to The Sherwin-Williams Company for their support of the department's Recovery Conservation Corps program.

ODNR Director Sean D. Logan presented the awards during a ceremony at the agency's Fountain Square Complex in Columbus.
 
The Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame was established by ODNR in 1966. To date, 150 individuals have been accorded the honor, which recognizes a lifetime devoted to the preservation, protection and wise management of Ohio's natural resources. Previous Hall of Fame honorees include the legendary Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman), Ohio-born explorer John Wesley Powell, botanist Lucy Braun and conservationist/novelist Louis Bromfield.
 
The ODNR Cardinal Award honors individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional awareness and concern for ideals reflected in the department's mission statement: to ensure a balance between the wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.