State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen) was awarded the 2012 Conservation Legislator of the Year Award by Angela Hughes of the Indiana Conservation Alliance yesterday at Indiana’s Conservation Day at the Statehouse. Mishler was honored with the award for his involvement with the Sustainable Natural Resources Task Force and the Invasive Species Council. (Photo provided)

Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen) was named Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Conservation Alliance on Wednesday.

After received the honor Mishler stated, “The conservation of our state’s natural resources is an important part of our state’s heritage — especially a portion of my district that includes many different lakes.

“I have always enjoyed spending time on the water, and I will continue to work in the General Assembly to ensure future generations of Hoosiers will be able to enjoy our region’s lakes as well.”

Wednesday was Conservation Day at the Indiana Statehouse where Mishler was honored.

Conservation Day is sponsored by the Indiana Conservation Alliance, which is made up of Indiana’s leading conservation and environmental groups. Conservation Day strives to give Hoosiers concerned about the future of Indiana’s natural resources an opportunity to have their voices heard at the Statehouse.

Hughes said this year the Alliance is advocating for:

Funding for the Indiana Heritage Trust, Bicentennial Nature Trust, and Clean Water Indiana programs.

• Legislation to require retailers and lawn care professionals to provide consumer education on the need to reduce the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus to protect water quality.
• Legislation to improve and expand public transit in central Indiana.

Additionally, the Alliance opposes legislation that would legalize the shooting of deer in fenced enclosures, “canned hunting,” in Indiana.