The state Puget Sound Partnership has honored four "Puget Sound Champions" from Whatcom County.

They were recognized in December 2012 for protecting and restoring habitat, cleaning up polluted water, and engaging the community in implementing the partnership's regional plan to clean up Puget Sound, according to the partnership's news release.

Those honored included Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association as well as the Whatcom County Special District Riparian Program.

Whatcom Water Weeks, the brainchild of the Whatcom Watersheds Information Network, was singled out as well.

The partnership also lauded Whatcom Conservation District for its Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.

More on the partnership and the champions are online at psp.wa.gov.

Reach KIE RELYEA at kie.relyea@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2234.