Ontario Power Generation receives Green Legacy Award
Group of Ten Tree Marking Program Founders recognized with Forests Ontario Award 

Ontario [February 10, 2022] – Forests Ontario’s 8th Annual Conference is bringing together more than 800 landowners, forestry professionals, Indigenous leaders,  entrepreneurs, educators, and students from across the country and around the world. Strength in Biodiversity is a multi-day virtual event running until February 11, and  explores the ways biodiversity is fundamental to ensuring healthy ecosystems and  communities.

“We know that addressing nature can be an important element in addressing the twin  climate crises of climate change and biodiversity loss,” said the Honourable Jonathan  Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, who sent a pre-recorded video message to  kick off the Conference. “It is a pleasure to be part of this Conference. I believe that we  must ensure that our forests and our ecosystems remain healthy, resilient, and diverse  in the face of a changing climate. We need to ensure that a focus on nature-based  solutions is part of our overall plan for combatting climate change.”

Rob Keen, Registered Professional Forester and CEO of Forests Ontario and Forest  Recovery Canada, is very encouraged to see so many participants focusing on supporting biodiversity. “We know about the multiple benefits that nature-based solutions can  bring in the fight against climate change, but it’s important to remember that  biodiversity is a key element for a healthy future,” Keen said. “This year, our Annual  Conference is highlighting these efforts and showcasing dozens of experts working  towards reducing biodiversity loss and ensuring healthy, thriving forests for our future.”

Forests Ontario’s annual event is the largest forestry conference of its kind in the  province. This year’s virtual Conference features 40 sector leaders presenting in six sessions, as well as more than 25 exhibitor and sponsor booths. It offers networking  opportunities and an Awards Ceremony which recognizes the following important  contributors to forestry and biodiversity:

–  Green Legacy Award: This award celebrates a visionary corporate partner  that has been instrumental in promoting a healthy environment for future  generations. This year, the award goes to Ontario Power Generation in recognition for both its Regional Biodiversity Program which actively supports  conservation organizations, and for its participation in the Eastern Ontario First  Nations Working Group and inaugural launch of The Healing Place.

–  Robert de Pencier Award: Presented to an individual(s) for outstanding  activities in private land forest management and strong support of forestry  promotion and education, this year’s award celebrates Eric and Barb Boysen of Maberly, ON, for their dedication and commitment to projects that support  healthy forests, and their contribution to the original structure of Forests  Ontario’s 50 Million Tree program.

–  Most Valuable Planter Award: This award recognizes an outstanding  individual or organization for their contribution to restoring ecosystem health  through tree planting initiatives. This year, Rick Knapton of Cataraqui  Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) earned the designation of Most  Valuable Planter. Knapton has been planting trees with Forests Ontario in the  Kingston area since 2005, and has been a valued planting partner for decades.  Through Forests Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program, CRCA has planted more  than two million trees.

–  White Pine Award: This award, which recognizes student contributions to  forest education and awareness, went to Ben Woodward, Geography and  Environmental Management student at the University of Waterloo. Woodward is an Ontario Envirothon alumnus and was an active Envirothon  volunteer for the 2021 competition.

–  Susan Wiecek Forestry Education Award: This award recognizes individuals or  organizations for outstanding contributions to forestry education in Ontario. This  year, the Regional Municipality of York is recognized for their continuous  support of Forests Ontario’s education programs. York Region has supported the  Ontario Envirothon for more than 10 years, funded a regional Tree Bee  competition for six years, and a pilot Virtual Hike project in 2021. York Region  has also been a long-time partner with Forests Ontario at their annual Spring  Forest Festival and more recently, the self-guided Discover Your Forest Kits.

–  Forests Ontario Award: This award goes to individuals for outstanding  achievements and contributions to forestry education in Canada and beyond. This year, the award goes to the ten individuals who were instrumental in the  creation and delivery of the Ontario Tree Marking Program: Al Corlett  (Toronto), Scott Reid (Port Sydney), Brian Batchelor (North Bay), Bob  Dynes (Bancroft), Brian Naylor (North Bay), Kerry Sinibaldi (Sault Ste.  Marie), Al Stinson (North Bay), Jeff Leavey (Huntsville), Mike Walsh (Peterborough), and Steve Munro (Parry Sound). In 1993, these individuals  established the Ontario Tree Marking Program, with the objective to implement consistency in the application of silvicultural tree marking on Crown lands, while  incorporating leading-edge science to silvicultural and habitat management  efforts. This group’s dedication over recent decades advanced a successful, well respected program.