John Gregson and Dave Gregson, who operate a woodlot near Nanaimo, were recognized by Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson as part of 2013 Woodlot Management Awards.
The Gregsons received the $2,500 Coast Area award for demonstrating a commitment to sound forestry and environmental practices and exceptional community stewardship.
The other award recipients are John and Joyce Helweg of Fort St. James and Rodney Krimmer of Hagensborg, near Bella Coola.
The awards are funded by the Province and administered by the Province and the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations. Each year, the awards recognize one woodlot licensee representing each of the Coast, South and North regions, along with an overall top performer.
Quotes:
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -
"B.C.'s woodlot licence program is a unique way to give British Columbians the opportunity to manage small-scale forestry operations on Crown land. John and Dave are worthy recipients of this award, and exemplify the importance of incorporating public engagement and input in the successful management of their woodlot."
Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell -
"John and David have maintained a hands-on approach and have learned how to get the most from their woodlot. Their leadership and hard work is setting an example for other woodlot operators across the province, while making a real impact on the local economy and environment."
General manager of the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations Brian McNaughton -
"The Federation of BC Woodlot Associations is pleased to be working with the provincial government on this important recognition program. It's great that we are able to celebrate the work of our members, and, in particular, to highlight those members that are taking the lead by practicing exemplary forest and natural resources management in a socially, economically and environmentally responsible manner."
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.
- British Columbia has over 860 active woodlots. Each woodlot generates jobs in planning, harvesting, road construction and maintenance, reforestation, silviculture and small-scale timber processing.
Learn More:
B.C. Woodlot Licence program: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hth/timber-tenures/woodlots/index.htm
Federation of B.C. Woodlot Associations: http://www.woodlot.bc.ca/
Contact:
Brennan Clarke
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261