A group of British Columbians, who run smaller, community-based forestry operations, have been recognized by Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson at the 2013 Federation of B.C. Woodlot Association Annual Conference.

The award recipients are John Gregson and Dave Gregson of Nanaimo, John and Joyce Helweg of Fort St. James, and Rodney Krimmer of Hagensborg near Bella Coola.

• The Gregsons received a $2,500 regional award for their commitment to sound forestry and environmental practices and exceptional community stewardship.
• The Helwegs received a $2,500 regional award for exemplary forest stewardship and contributions to woodlot-related education and training in the north region.
• Krimmer was awarded the $2,500 Minister's Award for Innovation and Excellence in Woodlot Management, along with a separate $2,500 regional award. Krimmer, who was recognized for demonstrating a commitment to sound forestry practices and exceptional community stewardship, has managed his woodlot since 1985 and has been member of the Cariboo Woodlot Association since its creation in 1996.

The awards are funded by the Province and administered by Province and the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations. Each year, the awards recognize a 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. The award recipients have all demonstrated leadership in the field and, by their good example, are encouraging all of us to find innovative and effective ways to manage B.C.'s number-one natural resource - its forests."

General Manager 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 often 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