BATH — Carrie Kinne, executive director for the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT), received a Visionary Award at the 2012 Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment Awards Ceremony on June 6.

The award recognizes innovation, creativity and commitment to marine protection by business, environmental organizations, or individuals who are making a difference to the health of the Gulf of Maine, a KELT release states.

“Kinne’s efforts have turned KELT into a leader in fisheries restoration, land preservation and other coastal conservation programs,” the release states.

Bruce Fitch, New Brunswick minister of environment and local government, hosted the evening ceremony in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

“The Gulf-wide annual awards recognize exemplary environmental work that is being done within the jurisdictions of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts,” said Fitch. “I was pleased to recognize the work of many individuals and groups that have shown dedication and passion for the fragile ecosystem that is the Gulf of Maine marine environment.”

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is a membership supported organization dedicated to protecting the land, water and wildlife of the Kennebec Estuary. It holds easements on 1,087 private acres and maintains nine preserves for public use.

For more information on KELT, call 442-8400 or visit www.kennebecestuary.org.