“Weyerhaeuser and TimberWest, in partnership with the Nature Trust of BC, have shown strong conservation leadership in spearheading the Englishman River project,” says Mike Apsey, past-chair of Wildlife Habitat Canada. “They have created a major conservation area that will help to protect vital riparian habitat.”

The Englishman River is considered one of the most important salmon-producing streams on the east coast of Vancouver Island. It supports threatened runs of steelhead and coho and is the main water supply for about 20,000 people.

“The continued expansion of stewardship in our forests is vital to both the forest industry and the conservation community,” says Apsey. “We have a shared interest in ensuring that our forests and our wildlife populations are healthy and sustainable.”

The Forest Stewardship Recognition Program award is presented annually to individuals, organizations and companies for outstanding stewardship in Canada's forests. This year, ten forest stewardship awards will be presented. Winners receive a limited edition print of a painting entitled New Morning by BC artist Don Li-Leger.

The founding partners of the Forest Stewardship Recognition Program are Wildlife Habitat Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Canadian Forest Service and the Forest Products Association of Canada.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Lynn McIntyre
Director of Stewardship Programs
Wildlife Habitat Canada
Tel: 1-800-669-7919 Ext. 234