Forests
Woodlot licensees Sid and Barb Dawson are the Coast region's award winners of this year's Award of Excellence for Woodlot Management, Comox Valley MLA Don McRae announced today, on behalf of Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson.
Sid and Barb Dawson have managed a woodlot in the Parksville area for the past 17 years. They are known for their adaptive and creative approach to forest management - including enhancing site productivity, innovative and increased use of wood waste and their focus and commitment to life-long learning.
The Dawson woodlot is one of the province's original woodlots from 1948 and has been continuously managed by members of the Dawson family. This intergenerational operation demonstrates the dedication to sustainable harvesting and long-term stewardship that helps make a successful woodlot.
Licensees that show exemplary leadership and contribution to woodlot management are recognized annually through the Minister's Award of Excellence for Woodlot Management.
Three regional awards are given: one for the Northern Interior, one for the Southern Interior and one for the Coast. Each award is for $2,500. Finalists are evaluated by a team with representation from the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations and the ministry.
Nominations for the 2012 awards close Dec. 31, 2012.
Quotes:
Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -
"Sid and Barb's commitment to ensure their woodlot provides social, environmental and economic benefits for the local community is outstanding. They should both be extremely proud of the example they continue to set for other woodlot licensees on the Coast."
Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley -
"Sid and Barb Dawson have set a high standard for other woodlot licensees to follow. Their willingness to share knowledge with other licensees shows their dedication and contribution to ensure the continued success of the Woodlot Licence Program provincewide."
Mark Clark, president, Federation of BC Woodlot Associations -
"Sid and Barb are a shining example of devoted woodlot licensees. They work extremely hard in all aspects of woodlot management and recognize the importance of high ecological, visual and recreational values. Sid and Barb, congratulations on your success."
Quick Facts:
* Woodlot licences are small, area-based tenures that combine private land with up to 800 hectares of Crown land on the Coast and 1,200 hectares in the Interior, and are managed by individuals, groups or First Nations.
* Woodlots are replaceable tenures, usually awarded for an initial term of 20 years.
* British Columbia has 866 active woodlots. Each woodlot generates jobs in planning, harvesting, road construction and maintenance, reforestation, silviculture and small-scale timber processing.
Learn More:
About the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations:
About woodlot licences:
http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hth/timber-tenures/woodlots/index.htm
Contact:
Brennan Clarke
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261
