Introducing the 2016 BC Parks Volunteer Award Winners!

Every year BC Parks selects recipients for annual achievement awards, recognizing people and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to our provincial parks and protected areas. Volunteers were up for nomination in the following four categories:

• Individual Volunteer
• Group Volunteer
• Legacy
• Community Partners

The following individuals and community partners have worked tirelessly, donating their time and resources, to champion, maintain, and preserve areas and parks close to their hearts. Because of them, boardwalks and bridges have been built, habitats restored, events launched, protected areas created, and much more.

1. Individual Volunteer: Don Scott & David Webb

Don Scott and David Webb have been volunteering in the South Fraser area maintaining over 200km of trails annually. They contributed 750 hours of time in 2016, working in two BC Parks regions covering four provincial parks (Chilliwack Lake, E.C. Manning, Skagit Valley and Cathedral parks), and two ecological reserves (Skagit River Cottonwoods and Skagit River Forest). They’ve been invaluable mentors to many volunteers and staff, in addition to donating equipment that has allowed two bridges in Skagit Valley and E.C. Manning parks to be built, as well as over 100 metres of boardwalk in Cathedral Park.

2. Group Volunteer: Caledonia Ramblers and Myra Canyon Trestle Restoration Society

The Caledonia Ramblers have worked tirelessly to make the Ancient Forest / Chun T’oh Whudujut Park and Protected Area in Prince George a reality, saving a globally significant area of the province. Not only were they instrumental in bringing this park to life, but they also regularly maintain the area. Highlights of their effort include building a 456-metre long universal access pathway, plus another 2210-metres of boardwalk, so that people with all abilities can enjoy this beautiful area of our province.

The Myra Canyon Trestle Restoration Society is an integral partner and advocate for the Myra Canyon trails and trestles. They help maintain 18 trestles and 12-km of trail that oversees 80,000 visitors a year. They also facilitate many of the biking and running events along the trails. Without their support and effort, Myra Canyon would not have been designated a place of national historical significance (in 2003) by the National Historical Sites and Monuments Board.

3. Legacy: Ruby Dunstan

Ruby Dunstan has worked to protect the Stein Valley for more than 30 years. As a key negotiator in the formation of the park and current elder of the Lytton First Nation, Dunstan’s direct involvement officially began with the signing of the Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park Co-Management Agreement between the Lytton First Nation and the Province of BC in 1995. Since the signing of this agreement, Dunstan has been the co-chair for the Stein Management Board—along with being an advocate on many varying issues both locally and nationally.

4. Community Partners: Living Oceans Society

Living Oceans Society has worked under a partnership agreement with BC Parks since 2013 through the Clear the Coast Initiative. They raise awareness of, locate, assess and, where possible, responsibly remove and dispose of marine debris around Northern Vancouver Island. Living Oceans Society has gathered over 10 tonnes of marine debris from the west end of Cape Scott Park. Through their efforts, they have helped provide habitat for diving ducks, white-winged scoters, great blue herons, bald eagles, Peale’s peregrine falcons, fulmars, shearwaters, and petrels, oystercatchers, and gulls, some of which are dependent upon foreshore habitat for foraging.

Congratulations to our 2016 volunteer winners, and thank you!

Be sure to keep checking the BC Parks blog for features on all our 2016 volunteer nominees and the work they have accomplished.