Rodney Krimmer, who operates a woodlot in Big Lake, received the top award from Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson at the 2013 Federation of B.C. Woodlot Associations' Annual Conference last night.

Krimmer, who lives in Hagensborg, was awarded the $2,500 Minister's Award for Innovation and Excellence in Woodlot Management, along with a separate $2,500 regional award for his work in B.C.'s southern Interior. Krimmer, who was recognized for demonstrating a commitment to sound forestry practices and exceptional community stewardship, has managed the woodlot licence since 1985 and has been member of the Cariboo Woodlot Association since its creation in 1996.

The other award recipients are John and Joyce Helweg of Fort St. James and John Gregson and Dave Gregson of Nanaimo.

The awards are funded by the Province and administered by the Province and the Federation of B.C. 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. Rodney Krimmer is a worthy recipient of this award, who demonstrated provincewide leadership when it comes to forest stewardship and innovative practices."

General Manager, Federation of BC Woodlot Associations Brian McNaughton -

"The Federation of B.C. 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."

MLA for Cariboo North Coralee Oakes -

"Rod Krimmer's 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."

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