The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recently 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 Carl Anderson (posthumous) of Ashtabula, Richard J. Kotis of Kent, Samuel W. Speck of Worthington, Ronald L. Stuckey of Columbus and Stanley M. Totten of Hanover, Ind..

Sean Logan, ODNR director, was joined by Gov. Ted Strickland for the awards ceremony, which was held at the agency's Fountain Square Complex in Columbus. Gov. Strickland recognized Logan for his efforts to encourage families to reconnect with nature and improve the health and welfare of Ohio's children.

The agency also presented its annual Cardinal Award for conservation achievement to Howard Calhoun of Akron, the Friends of Buck Creek from Springfield, the Ohio Leave No Child Inside Collaborative, Lisa Kutschbach-Brohl of Put-In-Bay and John Ross of Columbus.

The Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame was established by ODNR in 1966. To date, 155 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.

Nominated by ODNR employees, the department's Cardinal Awards honor individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional awareness and concern for ideals reflected in the department's mission statement.