The Louisiana Wildlife Federation recognized Cleco Corporation as its Conservation Corporation of the Year during its annual meeting last week.
"Cleco has taken the initiative in supporting environmental education and other conservation projects of benefit to the communities in its service area, and it has incorporated conservation practices into its routine operations," said Randy Lanctot, LWF's executive director. "The Federation is pleased to acknowledge Cleco's contributions with this award."

The federation recognized Cleco for its dedication of financial and staff resources to develop and co-host the Louisiana Youth Environmental Summit. The three-day event is designed to educate teens about the impact they can make through their own conservation efforts and is co-sponsored by the Louisiana Nature Center.

Other Cleco environmental initiatives include retrofitting utility poles to help protect bald eagles, recycling thousands of tons of ash produced at two Cleco power plants and sponsoring UtiliTree reforestation efforts in Louisiana. Cleco also developed the E-Cool School program in conjunction with a landscape architect and Northwood High School. The E-Cool School program works to enhance the schools natural ecosystem through tree plantings designed for energy conservation, a walking trail made from recycled coal ash and outdoor learning facilities.

“At Cleco we strive not only to respect the environment in everything we do, but also to teach others to do the same,” said David Eppler, president and chief operating officer. “We’re honored by this recognition, and we plan to use it as a challenge to move forward with environmental education and projects to improve our state.”

In addition to Cleco, the Louisiana Wildlife Federation recognized seven other individuals and organizations for their conservation projects.

Cleco Corporation is a regional energy services company headquartered in Pineville, La. Cleco operates several subsidiaries, including Cleco Midstream Resources LLC, a midstream energy business that develops and operates power plants; UtiliTech Solutions LLC, a nonregulated engineering and line construction business; Cleco ConnexUS LLC, a nonregulated retail services business; and Cleco Utility Group Inc., a regulated electric utility company serving about 244,000 customers in Louisiana.

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