Jamie McRae Wins Forests Ontario's 2018 Ontario Wood Award

Forests Ontario Announces Award Winners at Annual Conference

TORONTO, Feb. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - Forester Jamie McRae was one of several award winners announced at Forests Ontario's annual conference today. McRae took home the 2018 Ontario Wood Award for his contributions to the positive promotion of the Ontario Wood brand.

A fifth-generation forester, McRae's family history dates back to the forestry boom of the mid-1890s. He currently manages the McRae Lumber Company, based out of Whitney, Ontario. In recent years, McRae began volunteering with Forestry Connects, a Forests Ontario program dedicated to educating high school students about the forestry industry via field trips.

"Jamie McRae continues to be a very positive force within the forestry sector," said Rob Keen, Forests Ontario's CEO. "His family founded the McRae Lumber Company in 1922, and the family lumbering tradition extends back two generations before that. Clearly, wood is in Jamie's blood. Now, his expertise sparks passion in the next generation of environmental stewards through our Forestry Connects program."

The 2018 Green Legacy Award ? given annually to a visionary corporate partner that has been instrumental in ensuring a green legacy for future generations ? was awarded to TD Bank Group. As the official sponsor of the Heritage Tree Program that celebrates historically significant trees, TD Tree Bee, an interactive tree-identification website, and community tree planting events, TD Bank is recognized for its commitment to re-greening our communities.

Other awards given at Forests Ontario's climate change-themed conference included the Ontario Forestry Association (OFA) Award ? presented to individuals for outstanding achievements in forestry education ? awarded to Steve Hounsell, Chair of the Ontario Biodiversity Council. The Susan Wiecek Forestry Education Award went to Kelly Durant, a teacher at North Dundas District High School. Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve in Huntsville, Ontario, was honoured with the Robert De Pencier Award for their outstanding forest management practices, and Most Valuable Planter was awarded to Anne Lennox, formerly of Grey Sauble Conservation Authority.

Every year, Forests Ontario brings together landowners, forestry professionals, students, educators and those passionate about our natural landscapes to discuss key issues at their Annual Conference. It was held in Alliston, Ontario, at the Nottawasaga Inn and drew more than 300 attendees.

Forests Ontario
Forests Ontario is the voice of our forests. Working to promote a future of healthy forests sustaining healthy people, Forests Ontario is committed to the re-greening of Ontario through tree planting efforts on rural lands and in urban areas, as well as the renewal and stewardship of Ontario's forests through restoration, education and awareness. Visit www.forestsontario.ca or follow us @Forests Ontario.

Ontario Wood
Similar to Foodland Ontario, Ontario Wood is a way to connect with a local wood producer. Whether your choice is made based on quality and price whether it's about supporting local producers and local communities, whether it's about what's best for the environment, or whether it's simply because you love the natural beauty of wood products ? Ontario Wood can meet your needs. Visit www.ontario.ca/wood.

SOURCE Forests Ontario