AWARDS
The BC Institute of Agrologists recognizes registrants who have made outstanding contributions to the field of agrology and the organization. The awards are presented at the provincial AGM.
Consider a nomination before the March 1 deadline
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Agrologist of the Year Award: May be presented to an active Professional Agrologist (PAg) or Technical Agrologist (TAg) who has made a significant contribution to British Columbia's agricultural, natural resources, or environmental science sectors. Past Recipients
Send Agrologist of the Year nominations by March 1st, 11:59 PM
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Mentor of the Year Award: May be presented to an active Professional Agrologist (PAg) or Technical Agrologist (TAg) who epitomizes the values and leadership of a mentor. Past Recipients
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Honourary Agrologist: As determined by the Board, the Honourary Agrologist award may be presented to any person who has made a substantial contribution to the profession of agrology or the management, use, and conservation of British Columbia's natural resources. Honourary registration is for life or such time as Council may determine.
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Distinguished Professional Agrologist: The Distinguished Professional Agrologist award may be presented to an active Professional Agrologist (PAg) for meritorious service to the BCIA over the recipient's career. This award is not active. Past Recipients
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BCIA Recognition: May be presented to a BCIA registrant who has demonstrated exemplary service to BCIA. This award is not active. Past Recipients
Martin Sills, PAg(Ret) – Lifetime Achievement Award >
Presented at the BCIA AGM in Nanaimo, May 8, 2024
Martin Sills, PAg(Ret) – Lifetime Achievement Award.
Link to Video: https://youtu.be/QJdPjc3pkMg
Dedication to his wonderful career in agrology and volunteerism with the Institute
- Started as a Land Officer with the BC Ministry of Lands in the Cariboo region
- Senior Land Officer 🡪 20 years total with Ministry of Lands
- Regional Land Agrologist with the BC Ministry of Agriculture for 17 years – assisted in solving often complex land and resource-based issues as well as administer the Grazing Enhancement Fund.
- Member of the Pacific Northwest Society for Range Management
- Retired from government after 37 years in 2014
Retirement
- Extensive travel
- Time with family
- Give back even more to BCIA – dedicated to the profession of agrology. Agrology gave him a career that he was passionate about; time to pay it forward.
Countless hours dedicated to BCIA as a volunteer in various capacities since joining BCIA in 1977 – 47 years! Valued mentor and leader.
CCI Branch involvement since 1977. Highlights such as:
- PD Coordinator
- Director South
- Branch President
BCIA Board of Directors Member for 6 years
Committees and Working Group service
- Credentials since 2015; Chair since 2019
- Nomination since 2019
- Communications Working Group since 2017 (held Chair position)
- Spearheaded the development of the BCIA video (will play the youtube video)
From Rebecca Martin, PAg:
I want to thank you for being such a tremendous mentor and inspiration to me. I know how much the BCIA and service means to you. You set me on my current path, without you I wouldn’t have had the confidence to step up. I will always carry your stories, encouragement and advice with me as I navigate my service and professional duties.
Sean Rapai, PAg – 2023 Agrologist of the Year >
Presented at the BCIA AGM in Nanaimo, May 8, 2024
Sean Rapai – 2023 Agrologist of the Year; Nominated by Daphne Hall, PAg
Registrant of BCIA since May 2018.
Member of the Cariboo Central Interior Branch
Practice Areas:
- Protection and Management of Environmental Resources
- Land Restoration, Reclamation and Remediation
- Invasive Species and Pest Management
Senior Terrestrial Ecologist with Chu Cho Environmental based in Prince George. Chu Cho Environmental is employed by Mount Milligan Mine to help develop and implement the operational reclamation program which includes largescale reclamation earthworks, a native seed and stem collection program, reclamation effectiveness monitoring, a youth employment and training program, as well as research and development into incorporating insect monitoring as an indicator of reclamation success, and exploring best practices for revegetating the mine tailings cells.
The program was recently recognized by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation with:
- Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation (TRCR) Jade Award in 2021
- TRCR Metal Mine Category for outstanding achievement in mine reclamation in 2023
In addition to his work with the Mount Milligan Mine, Sean is the lead for the Chase Caribou Road Restoration Program, is the co-lead Tsay Keh Dene Nation Environmental Stewardship Initiative, and a board member with the Society for Ecosystem Restoration in northern BC.
A selection of quotes from Sean’s colleagues are provided below:
Daphne Hall, PAg, Mount Milligan Mine: “Sean is highly respected and valued by the Mount Milligan Environmental Team and his history of creating award-winning reclamation programs in the mining industry is impressive. He truly has an admirable leadership style and his ability to share his knowledge at all levels are the qualities that elevate him above the rest.”
Louella Ramirez, PAg, Mount Milligan Mine: “Sean has been a continual resource for new reclamation initiatives within our organization. His personal guidance in project management has greatly played a part in the success of various reclamation projects on site. He has assisted in the development o management plans that helped streamline an update practices such as the landscape, vegetation and erosion Management, as well as the invasive species management of the site.”
Michael Tilson, CEO, Chu Cho Environment: “Sean’s unparalleled contributions to reclamation and restoration in BC, particularly in the mining industry and caribou habitat restoration, have not only advanced the profession but have also set new benchmarks for environmental stewardship and ecosystem recovery. His work not only exemplifies professional excellence but also significantly contributes to the sustainability and health of our natural resources and communities.”
Doug Griffin, PEng, RPF, Green Team Consulting: “I consider myself a seasoned reclamation practitioner but found myself learning new approaches and techniques from Sean every day that I worked him. Sean embodies the spirit of the award in every measure; technically, professionally, ethically. I find it truly rare to see this collection of skills and laudable traits in an individual and could think of no one more deserving of this award.
25 & 50 YEAR RECOGNITIONS
Registrants who have achieved 25 or 50 years of registration are listed below by year. The time is recognized only while a registrant of the Institute.
2024 RECIPIENTS >
- 25 Years: James Anthony, Cameron Campbell, Kelly deCaux, Michele Fitzgerald, Jeremy Higham, Douglas Janzen, Ken Latreille, Jason Lawson, Michael Van Ham
- 50 Years: Al Dean, David Gartrell, Bruce Hackett, Robert Pringle, David Sands
2023 RECIPIENTS >
- 25 Years: Phil Croteau, Cheryl Davie, Cardell Dumais, Sharon Erickson, Barbara Grimmer Johnstone, Bruce Hupman, Lavona Liggins, Parashar Malla, Robert Martens, Cindy Meays, Francis Njenga, Laurie Pletzer, Terry Pratt, Jacqueline Rasmussen, Daniel Saliken, Rick Stoudt, Justin Straker, Keith Thomas, Taci Van Spengen, Duane Wells, Bill Wiebe
- 50 Years: Richard Gammer, Joseph Gardner, Ken Hall, Richard King, John Vanderstoep
2022 RECIPIENTS >
- 25 Years: Fredrick Butt, Harry Gill, Brian Roberts, Neil Turner, Cornelius van den Berg
- 50 Years: David Huxley, Victor Martens
2021 RECIPIENTS >
- 25 Years: Stuart Aird, Sharlene Becker, Coleen Colwell, Jennifer Davis, Barbara Edwards, Perry Grilz, Kim Grout, Harry Jennings, Walt Klenner, Brian Kobelsky, Daniel McAllister, Blake Medlar, Terry Peters, Michael Peterson, Todd Redding
- 50 Years: John Berry, Arthur Hadland, John Hall, Noel Roddick
2020 RECIPIENTS >
- 25 Years: Sandra Sulyma, Wendy Siemens, Philip Bergen, Jennifer McGuire, Ernie Maynard, Donald Meeks, Akbar Khan, Loretta Ford, Robert Davis, Katherine O'Leary, Terry Chow
- 50 Years: James Campbell, Mary McGregor
2019 RECIPIENTS >
- 25 Years: Andrea Belsheim, David Sahlstrom, Herbert Strobl, Tim Ballard, Arthur Guite, Susan Smith, David Konesky, Wayne Blashill, Sonya Campbell, Ken Clancy, Keith Duhaime, Kathleen MacDonald-Date, Susan Turner, Wendy Gardner, Brenda Walkem, Jerry Johnson, David Maloney, Fred Marshall, Patrick Hudson, Harry Kope, Sibylle Walkemeyer
- 50 Years: Sid Pickerell, Lyle Resh, Bob Holtby