Port Elgin outdoorsman honored by fellow conservationists

OFAH FILE: 842
March 21, 2012

Port Elgin outdoorsman honored by fellow conservationists
Tireless volunteer and educator wins prestigious award

A Port Elgin resident was recognized by his peers at the 84th Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Annual General Meeting and Fish & Wildlife Conference, held over the weekend in Mississauga. Bill Blackwell was chosen by his fellow directors to receive the esteemed Jack O’Dette Conservation Leadership Award.

Blackwell has been a passionate outdoorsman and conservationist for most of his life. He is well known locally as a hunter education and firearms instructor, having taught for more than 30 years, and is involved in the Ontario Hunter Education Program at the provincial level. He been an OFAH member since 1975, and is currently the Federation’s president.

OFAH Executive Director Mike Reader presented Blackwell with the award following the OFAH Annual General Meeting. “It is a very great honor to be mentioned in the same company as those who have received this award before me,” said Blackwell. “I love what I do and I look forward to serving another year as OFAH president.”

The Jack O’Dette Conservation Leadership Award is given annually to a director on the OFAH Board, in recognition of their hard work and dedication to conservation. Jack O’Dette was a member of the Order of Canada, a former director, and an avid angler, hunter and conservationist.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) hosted its 84th Annual General Meeting and Fish & Wildlife Conference in Mississauga from March 15 to 17 and welcomed more than 700 outdoors enthusiasts. Speaker presentations given on Friday can be viewed online at www.ofah.org/conference.

With over 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 675 member clubs, the OFAH is the province’s largest nonprofit, fish and wildlife conservation-based organization, and the VOICE of anglers and hunters. For more information, visit www.ofah.org or follow the OFAH on Facebook and Twitter.

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