The National Hydropower Association has named Seattle City Light as one of five Outstanding Stewards of America's Waters.

"The Outstanding Stewards of America's Waters program demonstrates the true innovation taking place in the hydropower industry today," said Linda Church Ciocci, executive director of the National Hydropower Association. "These projects highlight, in the clearest terms, how power production and environmental protection can work hand-in-hand."

The award recognizes Seattle City Light's collaborative work with the Skagit Watershed Council, three Skagit tribes, the Nature Conservancy and other stakeholders to develop and launch fish recovery plans, complete research to guide recovery actions, acquire and restore critical habitats and build support for the recovery of multiple fish species in the Skagit River watershed.

"The Skagit River is an incredible resource for people, fish and wildlife and Seattle City Light is committed to operating in an environmentally friendly way," City Light Superintendent Jorge Carrasco said. "It's the right thing to do and when you do right by the environment, we all reap the rewards."

The National Hydropower Association's selection panel, including representatives from industry, environmental and recreational interests, determined the winners based on their programs' challenges, innovation, collaboration with stakeholders and results.