Socorro Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SEC) and Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: Awarded in recognition of their joint partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove electric lines crossing Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. SEC set up a joint venture with Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in 1996-1998 to replace 14 miles of overhead power lines with underground lines in the Refuge. Although this involved a substantial cost overrun, SEC carried out all the necessary work, while Bosque del Apache was responsible for the trench digging. Springer Electric Cooperative, Inc.: Awarded in recognition of their proactive efforts for bird protection through the development and implementation of an Avian Protection Plan (APP). Springer Electric Cooperative, Inc. was the first utility company in New Mexico to implement an APP. Central Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.:  Awarded in recognition of their proactive efforts for bird protection through the installation of devices and deterrents to protect birds throughout their work area.  Since 2000, CVEC has installed almost 47,000 feet of cover up bird protection on its system at a cost of over $80,000.  The cooperative has taken the decision to insulate every primary pole installed in its system to protect birds from electrocution.  This has resulted in few reports of electrocution which is a significant success considering that the system has over 65,000 energized poles. Farmers Electric Cooperative, Inc. of New Mexico:  Awarded in recognition of their proactive efforts for bird protection through the development and implementation of an Avian Protection Plan (APP).  Their raptor protection committee developed recommendations for the construction of equipment, methods to improve reporting of collisions, and installation of protective measures.  Eastern New Mexico University worked with the committee on researching avian interactions with power structures in Eastern New Mexico. PNM Foundation: Awarded for their outstanding contributions to avian protection, environmental education, and habitat enhancement.  Through the PNM Foundation, PNM supports 20 environmental programs with annual donations. For the past four years, the Foundation has provided funding to sponsor the New Mexico Avian Protection Working Group conference.   Other examples of PNM Foundation's contribution to wildlife and environmental steward ship include: $50,000 in grant money awarded to schools proposing environmental sustainability projects. Habitat restoration grants to organizations for habitat restoration, including:  Tree New Mexico for replanting trees within the Rio Grande Bosque, the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center, Nature Conservancy, the Audubon Society of New Mexico, and the New Mexico Game and Fish Department.