Patrick Russell, Russ Clinton & Gord Chipman

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.”