Russ Clinton of Quesnel, BC is the 2025 recipient of the Minister’s Award for Innovation and Excellence in Woodlot Management.
Clinton was presented with a signed certificate signed by Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, and a $1,000 grant and carved tree statue at the 2025 Woodlots BC Conference on October 18 in Osoyoos.
Clinton has spent his career cultivating a deep connection to the land through forestry. Fuelled by a passion for planting and growing trees, he has managed his woodlot with a blend of traditional stewardship and innovative practices.
“As a forward-thinking forester, Russ is never afraid to get his hands dirty,” said Melissa Steidle, Woodlots BC Representative for North Region. “His passion for planting and growing trees shines through on the lands he manages. A strong and steady advocate for forestry and good forest management, he is a constant fixture at local meetings and panel discussions ready to initiate positive forestry conversations.”
Forestry is a family affair for the Clinton family. Currently transitioning the licence to his children, Clinton is fostering a future of forestry that uses innovative practices and prioritizes regeneration. The next generation will step up to steward the stands that they helped commercially thin as teens. [Read full News Release here]
Woodlot Licence 0205 is located in the Prince George Timber Supply Area. Clinton moved to Quesnel in the 1970s with his young family, and lived there for the span of his career as a forester.
Gord Chipman, Executive Director of Woodlots BC, and Patrick Russell, Director of Timber Tenures, Forest Tenures Branch (Ministry of Forests) were on hand to present the award.
In his acceptance speech, Clinton graciously said, “Thank you. I feel a little embarrassed accepting this award knowing how many amazing woodlot licensees are in this crowd as well.”
This is the 3rd year with the award being given to one woodlot licensee, instead of three recipients, as in previous years. Wayne Klein of Rock Creek was the winner in 2024, and Jon Seinen of Houston received the award in 2023.
