Awards
Since this project began in 2007, Mike has been recognized for bringing attention to this little-known environmental problem. As he says, “it is a big problem with a simple solution. Demand – and use – only lead-free weights.”
President’s Environmental Youth Award, Washington, DC, April 2008. President George Bush, First Lady Laura Bush and Environmental Protection Agency Director Stephen Johnson. President Bush made a special note of this project in his keynote address at the White House Rose Garden ceremony.
Boy Scout/World Scouting Environmental Conservation and Stewardship award of Excellence presented by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
Boy Scout Medal of Merit, June 2009, for his outstanding contribution to the environment.
Prince Faisal, President of World Scouting, Saudi Arabia presented Saudi Scouting pin.
United Nations Environmental Program, Volvo Adventure, Gothenburg, Sweden, May 2008. Browne represented the United States and presented his project before an international audience of over 1000. World Wildlife Fund representative, Siv Persson, made note that Browne’s project “identified and helped to solve a little-known threat to wildlife.” Browne also helped to write a white paper for the United Nations on global water issues.
SeaWorld Environmental Excellence Award, Orlando, FL, May 2009. Browne received $10,000 grant funding to continue to educate anglers about the dangers of lead and buy additional supplies for lead fishing weight exchanges.
Field & Stream Magazine, New York, September 2007. Browne received the first ever Boy Scout “Heroes of Conservation Award.” United States Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne and United States Fish and Wildlife Director H. Dale Hall both praised the project in their keynote addresses at the award ceremony.
Do Something Award, May 2009. One of 10 international finalists.
Boy Scout Medal of Merit, June 2009 for his outstanding contribution to the environment.
Boy Scout Hornaday Badge, June 2009 for completing significant environmental projects.
Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Merit Award, Boston, April 2008. EPA Director Stephen Johnson made special note of Browne’s project at his keynote address. Only teen-lead project to win an award.
Barron Prize for Young Heroes, September 2008, recognizing “outstanding young leaders who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet.”
Champion Status, Toxic Use Reduction Institute, June 2007
Certificate of Merit, Wildlife Society, April 2007
Citations from the Massachusetts House and Senate, June 2007