Christina Millington
Omineca Express
Recognized for his noble efforts as a Woodlot Licensee, Mark Churchill was honoured by Nechako Lakes Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) John Rustad on May 22 for his dedication to woodlot management.
A cheque for $2,500 was presented to Churchill, winner of the 2012 award for Excellence in Woodlot Management for the Northern Interior Region, at the offices of Rustad here in Vanderhoof.
The annual award honours licensees who exhibit leadership and contribution to woodlot management.
Woodlot licences are small, area-based, replaceable tenures that combine private land and crown land which is then managed by individuals, groups or First Nations, which enables jobs in planning, harvesting, road construction and maintenance, reforestation, silviculture and small scale timber processing.
“I was surprised when I received the award,” said Churchill. “It’s great to receive the award amongst other deserving candidates.”
The award recognizes northern, southern and coastal woodlot licensees for their outstanding efforts and leadership with fellow licensees and the communities they advocate.
“Mr. Churchill’s openness to educate and share his knowledge with others is greatly appreciated,” said Rustad.
“I congratulate him for his dedication and success.”
Churchill has been a part of the community since his family moved to Vanderhoof when he was just 2 years old.
Managing a woodlot in Vanderhoof since 1998, Churchill is known for pioneering and executing his vision with reforestation and dedication ensuring manageable wood waste by stockpiling fibre to supply new bio-energy operations.
Bio-energy is renewable energy made available from materials derived from biological sources, improving the quality of human life.
Churchill attributes his success to fellow woodlot licensees across the province that have pioneered forest stewardship activities.
Mark Clark, president of the Federations of BC Woodlot Associations, feels this award is well-deserved.
“Mark is recognized for his exemplary efforts in woodlot management,” says Clark. “His focus on long-term sustainability and reforestation are two major components of achieving a successful, viable woodlot operation.”
The Northern Interior award is distributed every year. If there is someone in the community that you feel should be recognized for their abilities; nominate him or her.
Finalists are evaluated by a team with representation from the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations and the ministry.
Nominations are due by Dec. 31, 2013.
To learn more about the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations, visit or woodlot licences, visit woodlot.bc.ca/ or www.for.gov.bc.ca/hth/timber-tenures/woodlots/index.htm