Some of Ontario’s most deserving conservation volunteers were recognized recently at the 87th OFAH Annual General Meeting and Fish & Wildlife Conference. More than 30 worthy recipients, including clubs, individuals and youth, accepted awards in front of hundreds of outdoors enthusiasts attending the conference held from March 20 to 21 in Mississauga.
The Mary Pickford Trophy is presented to the OFAH member club considered to have done the most conservation work over the past year. Named after the late actress and avid angler, this award recognizes the spirit and determination of OFAH conservationists. Although several deserving clubs were nominated, it was the Trailsmen Rod and Gun Club who walked away with the award for the club’s third time. As the judges noted, this club was successful in meeting and exceeding a long list of achievements in 2014, notably the more than 2,000 volunteer hours that went into its Walleye cultivation efforts. Other achievements included the installation of an underground electric feed, the completion of the initial phase of construction on its gun and archery range and significant pond maintenance projects.
The OFAH/Jack O’Dette Conservation Leadership Award is presented to an OFAH director in recognition of their hard work, dedication and motivation. Jack O’Dette, for whom the award is named, was a conservationist, angler, hunter, and, for his conservation efforts, a recipient of the Order of Canada. This year’s winner, Neil Wiens, has been a member of the OFAH Board of Directors for the past 19 years. His knowledge, experience and dedication have served the OFAH board well. He has worn many hats in his years of service to this Federation, including 1st vice chair and chair of his zone, member and chair of several advisory committees, 1st vice president, president, and past president, and he has been re-elected several times as director-at-large.
The OFAH Heritage Junior Award honours a young person who has made the most outstanding contribution to conservation over the previous year. First presented in 1987, this award acknowledges the great work done by many young people and their role as future stewards of Ontario’s natural resources. Judges remarked that this year’s winner, Hannah Edwards, “has shown endless commitment and knowledge while being involved in outdoors programs. She espouses the values of hunting and fishing.” As a passionate member of the Georgian Bay Get Outdoors Club, this is the second time Hannah has won this award.
For a complete list of conservation award winners, visit www.ofah.org/conference/awards.
With more than 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 725 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 and follow us on Twitter (@ofah) and like us on Facebook (ofah.org/facebook).
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| Greg Farrant Manager of Government Affairs and Policy 705-748-6324 ext. 236 |