Two members of the Lloydminster and District Fish and Game Association have been recognized with provincial awards from Alberta and Saskatchewan for their contributions to outdoor education and conservation.
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The association received the Rural Outdoor Education – Gerry Gibson Memorial Award from the Alberta Wildlife Federation. The award recognizes a rural club or individual demonstrating outstanding work in outdoor education programming.
The Lloydminster group was honoured for its leadership in promoting conservation and hands-on learning opportunities for youth. The association sponsors young people to attend provincial youth outdoor leadership and conservation camps and hosts its annual two-day youth outdoor activity days each June.
The events provide instruction in archery, canoeing, air rifle and pistol shooting, wildlife and plant identification, survival skills, fisheries studies, navigation and camp cooking. Organizers say the programming helps rural youth build confidence and develop practical outdoor skills while fostering an understanding of responsible environmental stewardship.
Association president Dwayne Davison accepted the award on behalf of the group from Alberta Wildlife Federation president Paul Short.
Meanwhile, longtime executive member Bill Armstrong received the Gordon Lund Memorial Award from the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation at its annual convention in Yorkton.
Submitted photo
The award is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the conservation of Saskatchewan’s renewable resources.
Armstrong was recognized for decades of work promoting outdoor conservation, both as an educator and volunteer. He has led and expanded the Youth Outdoor Activity Days to include up to 100 students each year and supports several initiatives, including the association’s post-graduate scholarship program, Fish in Schools and the National Archery in Schools Program.
Organizers say his efforts have helped educate generations of youth about wildlife, conservation and responsible outdoor practices.
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