Fort St. James, BC – John and Joyce Helweg have bee recognized by the provincial government as part of this year’s 2013 Woodlot Management Awards.

The Helwegs operate a woodlot near Fort St. James and have received a $2500 regional award for demonstrating exemplary forest stewardship.

Nechako Lakes MLA, John Rustad, says the couple’s commitment to the local community and forestry training is outstanding.

The General Manager of the BC Woodlot Association, Brian McNaughton, says, "It’s great that we are able to celebrate the work of our members and, in particular, to highlight those members that are taking the lead by practising exemplary forest and natural resources management in a socially, economically, and environmentally responsible manner."

Other recipients this year included Rodney Keith Krimmer of Hagensborg, near Bella Coola, and John and Dave Gregson of Nanaimo.

There are more than 860 active woodlots in the province.