Local forester honoured
A Prince George forest industry veteran was bestowed with B.C.’s top honour in the profession.
John Pousette was named the 2019 Forest Professional of the Year by the Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP).
“John’s career serves as an example of how integrity and commitment are key attributes necessary to achieving real and meaningful success in forestry and ensuring we are sustainably caring for B.C.’s forests for future generations,” said Morgan Kennah, ABCFP president.
Pousette works for the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. According to the announcement, “He was recognized for his professional forestry work and how he engages and influences others. His contributions to the forestry profession are demonstrated in his work and leadership within the Ministry and his ongoing mentoring of many professionals as a sponsoring forester.”
Pousette also teaches at UNBC as an adjunct faculty member, and is “renowned for his service and advancement of the forestry profession through his volunteer work” with the Canadian Institute of Forestry–Cariboo Section and the ABCFP.
Another forest professional from the region was also honoured at the ABCFP convention. Jim McLean of Lone Butte was named Registered Forest Technologist of the Year “for his detailed knowledge and understanding of cruising and residue surveying.
“The nomination for McLean spoke of how he freely shares his knowledge in a respectful and professional manner with many forest professionals.”
Bob Craven of Campbell River, Carman Smith of Barriere, and Bill Waugh of Bowser were cited as the winners of the Distinguished Forest Professional Award for outstanding contribution to the forestry profession and for furthering the principles of the ABCFP.
Bronwen Beedle of Campbell River and Jamie Skinner from Kamloops shared in the Jim Rodney Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award for their volunteer work with the ABCFP and within their communities.
Rick Chester, a natural resource instructor at BCIT, was made an Honorary Member of the ABCFP for his many years of volunteer work with ABCFP education committees.
The ABCFP Climate Change Innovator Award was presented to eight professionals who worked on the provincial climate-based seed transfer policy, a response designed to ensure that seed matches the current climate and the climate anticipated over the next one third of a rotation.
Those winners were Brian Barber, Leslie McAuley, Diane Nicholls, Greg O’Neill, Jim Snetsinger, Margot Spence, Jack Woods and Susan Zedel.