The FHWA Final Four

2001 Photo Opportunity Winners

Although 12 States entered in 2001, FOUR States won all the First Place Awards! The competition between Idaho and Maryland heated up. This year Maryland squeaked by with three first place nods. Idaho missed a tie with two first place awards. In the shadow of this ongoing competition and side betting, California took first in Category V and Minnesota found a first time win in Category III.

This year's 110 photographs included many exceptional views from the roadway and from the roadside, representing the many roles vegetation takes in transportation corridors. Many of these photographs will be featured in the upcoming 2003 Earth Day Planner. I am especially excited about this year's new category, Invasive Species. Maryland's work on a laminated guide to distinguish between the invasive Ailanthus or tree of heaven and the common native plant, Rhus or sumac will certainly be useful by maintenance crews and others. Identification is the key first step to controlling these costly weeds!

Jury Comments

We continue to enlist the help of our Headquarter's jury composed of related disciplines. We thank Liz Fischer, Robert Black, Dee Gallo, Janis Gramatins, and Lori Irving for their commitment to the annual judging exercise. Some of their comments give clues to their first place decisions. Please note:

1. Idaho, "crisp, clear, eye-catching"
2. Maryland, "loved the composition"
3. Minnesota, "good composition"
4. Maryland, "loved the rustic post and the simplicity of the sign"
5. California, "contrast between coarse background and soft flower"
6. Idaho, "what a photograph!"
7. Maryland, "should be a model for ALL States"

2001 Winners

1. Planted natives
   First. . . Idaho penstemons
   Second. . . Colorado penstemons
   Third . . . Minnesota I-94 mix
   HM. . . Idaho lupines

2. Planted non-natives
   First. . . Maryland historic site 12
   Second. . . Ohio sunflowers
   Third. . . Maryland tourism 246
   HM. . . South Carolina cosmos

3. Protected natives
   First. . . Minnesota blazing star
   Second. . . Missouri verbena
   Third. . . Minnesota shooting star
   HM. . . California manzanita

4. Public Awareness
   First. . . Maryland wildflower signage
   Second. . . Washington kids
   Third. . . Wisconsin

5. Close-up
   First. . . California gilia
   Second. . . Wisconsin gentian
   Third. . . Missouri, Dutchmen's breeches
   HM. . . Maryland monarda

6. Restoration & Management
   First. . . Idaho erosion
   Second. . . Missouri redbud
   Third. . . Idaho erosion
   HM. . . Maryland stormwater pond

7. Invasive species
   First. . . Maryland Ailanthus
   Second. . . Missouri kudzu/teasel
   Third. . . Minnesota biocontrol

8. Editor's Choice:
   Missouri - Photo competition