The purpose of the North American Furbearer Conservation Award is to promote awareness and recognition of individuals and organizations that have made significant efforts for sustainable furbearer management.

The objectives of this award are:

• To encourage innovation and excellence in furbearer management by the recognition of outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations;
• To build public awareness for hundreds of years of successful furbearer management; and,
• To instill a greater pride and sense of accomplishment within the fur community.

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This long and successful record of sustainable resource management is due to strong conservation measures and the stewardship ethic of the trapping and wildlife research communities. Over 200 years ago, the Hudson’s Bay Company implemented some of the early management practices of a quota system, which evolved into the modern natural resource conservation model that took shape in the early 20th century. It is therefore fitting that North American Fur Auctions (NAFA), which is the successor to the HBC, be the inaugural sponsor of this award to be presented by the Fur Institute of Canada (FIC).

Early conservation pioneers recognized that humans can have substantial impact on our natural environment, and that measures must be taken to maintain long-term conservation and to ensure a healthy mix of social, economic and environmental benefits on the land. Their success has been the result of a continuous interest in gaining new knowledge, skills and techniques. One of the keys to adapting to changing environmental, social and economic conditions has been the leadership of individuals in developing innovative approaches to wildlife and habitat conservation, and in establishing new and successful partnerships with related natural resource users.

NAFA and the FIC want to recognize and thank those people who continue this tradition.

The purpose of the North American Furbearer Conservation Award is to promote awareness and recognition of individuals and organizations that have made significant efforts for sustainable furbearer management.

The objectives of this award are:

• To encourage innovation and excellence in furbearer management by the recognition of outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations;
• To build public awareness for hundreds of years of successful furbearer management; and,
• To instill a greater pride and sense of accomplishment within the fur community.

The North American Furbearer Conservation Award recipient will be announced at the May NAFA Auction in Toronto, and will be further recognized at the June Annual General Meeting of the Fur Institute of Canada. The North American Furbearer Conservation Award will consist of a plaque presented by the Fur Institute of Canada and a framed limited edition art print presented by NAFA.

An application/submission for this award must provide a brief description of the work history and background of the nominee. This must be followed by a more detailed description of the activities and/or innovative furbearer conservation approaches, at any scale, that have contributed significantly to the welfare of furbearer populations and their habitats. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Applied research on ecosystems, species and their habitats and genetic attributes;
• Applied management in relation to the influence of other resource/land-use sectors; and,
• Improving sustainable use practices in furbearer management.

Each completed application requires the endorsement of two other references.

The Conservation Committee will evaluate all completed applications to ensure that nominees meet the criteria. The review will include assessment of:

• Professional conduct and rigor in following accepted scientific principles;
• Extent of voluntary conservation, personal long-term dedication, and willingness to share ideas with others;
• The extent and success of involvement in partnerships that have increased the understanding and efficiencies within furbearer conservation; and,
• Demonstrated support in achieving the Fur Institute of Canada’s mandate of promoting the sustainable and wise use of our fur resources.

The Awards Committee of the Fur Institute of Canada will make a decision based on these assessments in time for an announcement annually in the first week of May.

The annual deadline for nominations is therefore April 1.

2011: Greg Linscombe

The 2011 North American Furbearer Conservation Award was given to Mr. Greg Linscombe. Over his 33 year career with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Mr. Linscombe published 37 papers and helped pioneer the current Best Management practices development process for U.S. trappers. Mr. Linscombe worked extensively with Government negotiators in Washington and Ottawa, the National Trappers Association and various other fur industry elements to successfully replace the proposed EU fur ban with regulations that reflect scientifically-based sustainable and humane practices.

2010: Eric Lofroth

The North American Furbearer Conservation Award, which recognizes innovation and excellence in furbearer management and promoting pride in the fur industry, was given to Eric Lofroth, a Meso-carnivore Specialist with the BC Ministry of Environment, for his significant contributions for over 25 years as a wildlife science specialist working on furbearer management throughout the province.

2009: David Neave and Milan Novak

The FIC’s North American Furbearer Conservation Award was granted to two deserving recipients this year, David Neave, former FIC Director, and Milan Novak, former furbearer management coordinator with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. David Neave’s entire working life has been devoted to wildlife conservation and humane trapping. “As Alberta’s wildlife director and then as the first executive director of Wildlife Habitat Canada, he has had significant influence in the stewardship of wildlife and habitat through programs, policy and communications,” Mr. Cahill said. He also noted that for several years following retirement, Mr. Neave remained active and influential through his lead role in the development of the Model Forests Network of Canada and his continued participation in various capacities on the FIC Board.

Milan Novak has had a similar influence on animal welfare and conservation efforts. Mr. Cahill explained that as a furbearer biologist, Mr. Novak carried out published research and data collection on traps and trapping in Ontario, which were used to successfully negotiate the AIHTS. “This data collected over many years, Mr. Cahill said, “will continue to serve the fur trade well in the years ahead.” Among his other accomplishments, Mr. Novak helped in the creation of the first national standards for animal traps as well as the formation of the Ontario Fur Managers Federation. The award plaque was presented to Mr. Novak at the FIC’s 2009 Annual General Meeting.

2008: Pierre Canac-Marquis

The 2008 North American Furbearer Conservation Award was granted to Pierre Canac-Marquis, trapping coordinator for the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources. The purpose of the award is to encourage innovation and excellence in furbearer management and to recognize those who have helped build public awareness and appreciation for furbearer conservation. Mr. Canac-Marquis was chosen for his many years of involvement in the FIC’s trap research and testing program as well as his leading role in the negotiations and implementation of the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards. He has chaired the TRDC’s Technical Sub-committee for many years, overseeing the biological and technical projects that have established Canada’s pre-eminent position in humane trapping. The award also recognizes Mr. Canac-Marquis for his tireless efforts in working with conservation agencies around the world and with the general public to promote awareness of furbearer issues and the importance of trapping and trappers in wildlife conservation. . The award plaque was presented to Mr. Canac-Marquis at the FIC’s 2008 Annual General Meeting.   

2007: J. Michael Waldram

The Fur Institute of Canada’s first North American Furbearer Conservation Award was granted posthumously to J. Michael Waldram, General Manager of the Manitoba Model Forest since its founding in 1993 until his untimely passing last year. The objectives of this new award are to encourage innovation and excellence in furbearer management, to build public awareness of successful furbearer management programs, and to promote pride in the fur industry. Mr. Waldram enhanced the participation of Aboriginal people, youth and local community people, particularly trappers, in the work of the Model Forest and in sustainable management activities. He was instrumental in bringing timber companies, governments and trappers closer together to develop better co-management of vital habitat for furbearing animals. The award plaque was presented to Mr. Waldram’s widow, Kate Murphy at the FIC’s 2007 Annual General Meeting.