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Four talented photographers took home their first-place prizes at the annual Regional Water Authority (RWA) recreation permit holder meeting on April 10. Amateur photographers competed in four photo categories. Judges reviewed 50 photos taken at RWA recreation areas before choosing four first-place photos and 12 runners-up.

“One of the great things about living in south central Connecticut is that we have access to beautiful, natural properties for hiking and fishing only a few miles away from New Haven and surrounding communities, and nothing helps capture that better than the photos taken by members of the program,” said  Jeff Yale, RWA’s Recreation Program Specialist.

Photographers entered their pictures into one of four categories: Plants, Wildlife, Water and General Scenes. The winner in each category took home a $100 gift card to their choice of Stop & Shop, Home Depot, Cabela’s or L.L. Bean.

Ron Guerrucci of Stratford won first place in the General Scenes categories for his photo of a rainbow arced over trees along one of the RWA’s source waters. Guerrucci also took first place in the Wildlife category for his photo of a bird of prey perched on a branch.

Lois Main of West Haven won first place in the Water category for her photo of two swans swimming through the waters at an RWA recreation area. Main also took first place in the plants category for her close-up photo of an insect on a spear thistle plant.

The RWA’s Recreation Program oversees more than 50 miles of trails and five reservoirs in nine recreation areas spread across 13 communities in Greater New Haven. Individual permits cost $25. Family permits cost $35. Discounts are available for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and students. Buying an RWA Recreation permit is like contributing to a conservation organization. It helps the RWA preserve, protect and maintain watershed lands. To learn more, visit rwater.com or call 203-401-2654.