This release was issued under a previous government.
“It is important to acknowledge and celebrate the many great environmental leaders and volunteers that give so selflessly to promote conservation and protection of wildlife in our province. The generosity and exemplary work of the Order of the Bighorn award recipients are gifts that will reach across generations.”
Since 1982, the Order of the Bighorn has recognized Albertans for significant volunteer contributions to environmental stewardship and resource conservation.
The six inductees are:
Bazil Leonard, Grande Cache
for his work with several organizations including the Willmore Wilderness Foundation, Alberta Outfitters Association and the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society to promote conservation and stewardship ethics and increase awareness of conservation concerns.
Gottlob Schmidt, Hanna
for his donation of almost 1,000 acres of native, pristine grassland to the people of Alberta, which will become Antelope Hill Provincial Park.
John Campbell Jr., Calgary
for his work with birds of prey, especially prairie falcons and peregrine falcons, over the past 40 years and for being one of the founding members of the Alberta Raptor Preservation Society.
Maurice Nadeau, Bonnyville
for his dedicated service in conservation organizations including the Alberta Fish and Game Association, the Willmore Wilderness Foundation, Alberta Trappers Association and many more focusing on the best interests of Albertans, our fish and wildlife resources and the habitats on which they depend.
Tim Dietzler, Calgary
for his work creating conservation and sustainability opportunities within the greater Calgary area, focusing on how natural and agricultural landscapes can better accommodate pressures from the robust and rapidly growing Calgary region.
Tom Partello, Canmore
for working with Conservation Officers, Fish and Wildlife Officers, Park Ecologists and Wildlife Biologists and contributing hundreds of hours to community service projects aimed at improving habitat for wildlife, reducing human-wildlife conflict and monitoring species at risk.
These six individuals will join the more than 100 individuals and organizations previously inducted into the Order.