The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2009 Conservation Achievement Awards. Winners have been selected by the CWF Board and will be awarded at the Annual General Meeting in Whitehorse, Yukon this weekend.
The Conservation Achievement Awards comprise six categories and honour an individual or an organization’s commitment to wildlife in Canada. Nominees include volunteers, professionals, youth, and conservationists from all walks of life concerned with a host of environmental topics.
Winners of the 2009 Conservation Achievement Awards
Youth Conservation Award
Rachel Hacking of Stratford, Ontario is an exceptional individual who has shown that one person truly can make a difference for wildlife. With a kind heart and plenty of determination Rachel continues to raise money and awareness for local swan populations and the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Roland Michener Conservation Award
Don Trethewey of Kamloops, British Columbia has devoted much of his life to conservation. Mr. Trethewey has gained invaluable knowledge of wildlife and habitat from his early days as a habitat assessment biologist and volunteered much of his time to environmental clubs, provincial committees and the BC Wildlife Federation.
Doug Clarke Memorial Award
The Nanaimo & District Fish & Game Protective Association is being recognized for their completion of The Millstone River By-Channel. This 800 meter side-channel now provides fish, notably Coho salmon the opportunity to migrate and spawn past Deadman’s waterfalls.
Roderick Haig-Brown Award
Mario Viboux of Verdun, Quebec is a leader in the Quebec sport fishing world. His introduction of a sport fishing program to the youth in the province as well as his direction of the Point de Mire Youth Centre illustrate his leadership and passion for the outdoors. He has developed guides, publications, lectures and a DVD on his involvement and education on fly fishing.
Stan Hodgekiss Canadian Outdoorsperson of the Year
Robert Gruszecki of Calgary, Alberta is an avid outdoorsman who has brought his lifelong enthusiasm for wildlife and the outdoors to youth and Canadians across the province. His work has now become a blueprint for the delivery of conservation education across Canada.
Past Presidents’ Canadian Legislator Award
Gary Breitkreuz of Yorkton, Saskatchewan & Larry Bagnell of the Yukon are this years awards recipients. As co-chairs of the non-partisan Parlimentary Outdoor Caucus, both men have united legislators from the four major political parties with the goal of creating a common value for the Canadian outdoors and natural heritage.
“CWF’s Award Program recognizes the excellent work for wildlife being carried out across our country,” said Wade Luzny, CWF Executive Vice-President. “We are thrilled with the depth and magnitude of all the nominations we receive. These awards are one way to pay tribute to what so many people have made their life work — to ensure our natural heritage remains for future generations.”
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About Canadian Wildlife Federation
CWF is dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending legislative changes, and cooperating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians may live in harmony with nature. Visit cwf-fcf.org for more information.
For more information about any of the winners or about the awards please contact:
Stephanie Bonner
PUblic Relations Officer
Canadian Wildlife Federation
(613) 599-9594
stephanieb@cwf-fcf.org
