Martin Sills, PAg(Ret) – Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented at the BCIA AGM in Nanaimo, May 11, 2024

Martin Sills, PAg(Ret) – Lifetime Achievement Award.

Link to Video: https://youtu.be/QJdPjc3pkMg 

Dedication to his wonderful career in agrology and volunteerism with the Institute

  • Started as a Land Officer with the BC Ministry of Lands in the Cariboo region
  • Senior Land Officer 🡪 20 years total with Ministry of Lands
  • Regional Land Agrologist with the BC Ministry of Agriculture for 17 years – assisted in solving often complex land and resource-based issues as well as administer the Grazing Enhancement Fund.
  • Member of the Pacific Northwest Society for Range Management
  • Retired from government after 37 years in 2014

Retirement

  • Extensive travel
  • Time with family
  • Give back even more to BCIA – dedicated to the profession of agrology. Agrology gave him a career that he was passionate about; time to pay it forward.

Countless hours dedicated to BCIA as a volunteer in various capacities since joining BCIA in 1977 – 47 years! Valued mentor and leader.

CCI Branch involvement since 1977. Highlights such as:

  • PD Coordinator
  • Director South
  • Branch President

BCIA Board of Directors Member for 6 years

Committees and Working Group service

  • Credentials since 2015; Chair since 2019
  • Nomination since 2019
  • Communications Working Group since 2017 (held Chair position)
    • Spearheaded the development of the BCIA video (will play the youtube video)

From Rebecca Martin, PAg:

I want to thank you for being such a tremendous mentor and inspiration to me. I know how much the BCIA and service means to you. You set me on my current path, without you I wouldn’t have had the confidence to step up. I will always carry your stories, encouragement and advice with me as I navigate my service and professional duties.  

Sean Rapai, PAg – 2023 Agrologist of the Year

Presented at the BCIA AGM in Nanaimo, May 11, 2024

Sean Rapai – 2023 Agrologist of the Year; Nominated by Daphne Hall, PAg

Registrant of BCIA since May 2018.

Member of the Cariboo Central Interior Branch

Practice Areas:

  • Protection and Management of Environmental Resources
  • Land Restoration, Reclamation and Remediation
  • Invasive Species and Pest Management

Senior Terrestrial Ecologist with Chu Cho Environmental based in Prince George. Chu Cho Environmental is employed by Mount Milligan Mine to help develop and implement the operational reclamation program which includes largescale reclamation earthworks, a native seed and stem collection program, reclamation effectiveness monitoring, a youth employment and training program, as well as research and development into incorporating insect monitoring as an indicator of reclamation success, and exploring best practices for revegetating the mine tailings cells.

The program was recently recognized by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation with:

  • Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation (TRCR) Jade Award in 2021
  • TRCR Metal Mine Category for outstanding achievement in mine reclamation in 2023

In addition to his work with the Mount Milligan Mine, Sean is the lead for the Chase Caribou Road Restoration Program, is the co-lead Tsay Keh Dene Nation Environmental Stewardship Initiative, and a board member with the Society for Ecosystem Restoration in northern BC.

A selection of quotes from Sean’s colleagues are provided below:

Daphne Hall, PAg, Mount Milligan Mine: “Sean is highly respected and valued by the Mount Milligan Environmental Team and his history of creating award-winning reclamation programs in the mining industry is impressive. He truly has an admirable leadership style and his ability to share his knowledge at all levels are the qualities that elevate him above the rest.”

Louella Ramirez, PAg, Mount Milligan Mine: “Sean has been a continual resource for new reclamation initiatives within our organization. His personal guidance in project management has greatly played a part in the success of various reclamation projects on site. He has assisted in the development o management plans that helped streamline an update practices such as the landscape, vegetation and erosion Management, as well as the invasive species management of the site.”

Michael Tilson, CEO, Chu Cho Environment: “Sean’s unparalleled contributions to reclamation and restoration in BC, particularly in the mining industry and caribou habitat restoration, have not only advanced the profession but have also set new benchmarks for environmental stewardship and ecosystem recovery. His work not only exemplifies professional excellence but also significantly contributes to the sustainability and health of our natural resources and communities.”

Doug Griffin, PEng, RPF, Green Team Consulting: “I consider myself a seasoned reclamation practitioner but found myself learning new approaches and techniques from Sean every day that I worked him. Sean embodies the spirit of the award in every measure; technically, professionally, ethically. I find it truly rare to see this collection of skills and laudable traits in an individual and could think of no one more deserving of this award.

The BC Institute of Agrologists recognizes Registrants who have made outstanding contributions to the field of agrology and the organization. The awards are presented at the provincial AGM.

Consider a nomination before the March 1 deadline

  • Agrologist of the Year Award: May be presented to an active Professional Agrologist (PAg) or Technical Agrologist (TAg) who has made a significant contribution to British Columbia's agricultural, natural resources, or environmental science sectors. Past Recipients

Send Agrologist of the Year nominations by March 1st, 11:59 PM

Send Mentor of the Year nominations by March 1st 11:59 PM

  • Honourary Agrologist: As determined by the Board, the Honourary Agrologist award may be presented to any person who has made a substantial contribution to the profession of agrology or the management, use, and conservation of British Columbia's natural resources. Honourary registration is for life or such time as Council may determine.

  • Distinguished Professional Agrologist: The Distinguished Professional Agrologist award may be presented to an active Professional Agrologist (PAg) for meritorious service to the BCIA over the recipient's career. This award is not active. Past Recipients

  • BCIA Recognition: May be presented to a BCIA Registrant who has demonstrated exemplary service to BCIA. This award is not active. Past Recipients

Branch Awards for Registrants, Students and Emerging Agrologists

Several BCIA Branches recognize their Registrants, young scientists, and aspiring future agrologists with awards often at Branch AGMs, science fairs, and through the support of local 4-H clubs.

  • Cariboo Central Interior Branch: 1.) the New Growth Agrologist of the Year Award and Innovative Agrologist Award annually 2.) $100 potentially to a student at the Pacific Northwest Science Fair 3.) $100 may be awarded at the Central Interior Science Exhibition.
  • Peace River Branch may award $100 to a student at the Northern BC Regional Science Fair.
  • Okanagan Branch may present the Professional Agrologist Achievement Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Farm Family Award annually;
  • Kootenay Boundary Branch may present the Green Shoot Award and Willow Tree Award annually.
  • Victoria and Islands Branch may present the Branch Recognition Award and may support Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair;
  • Fraser Valley Branch annually supports the Fraser Valley 4-H Club.
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