June 5, 2006

Bert Hoffmeister’s Conservation Vision Lives On

(Williams Lake, BC)— Bert Hoffmeister had a passion for conservation and today that passion is being recognized at the Scout Island Nature Centre in Williams Lake with a sign unveiling. As chair of The Nature Trust of BC, Bert played a key role in conserving this property in the 1970s.

"It is most fitting that Bert Hoffmeister be honoured with this commemorative sign on the occasion of The Nature Trust of BC’s 35th anniversary,” said Doug Walker, CEO of The Nature Trust. “We want to thank the Scout Island Nature Centre and the Williams Lake Field Naturalists for making this possible."

Born in 1907, Bert Hoffmeister became a Captain of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in 1934. In 1944 he became Canada’s youngest Major General and led troops on successful campaigns in Italy during the Second World War. He won the Distinguished Service Order three times and was made a Commander of the British Empire. He was CEO of MacMillan Bloedel from 1949 to 1957, British Columbia’s Agent General in London from 1958 to 1961 and Chairman of the Council of Forest Industries from 1961 to 1968.

“My father was able to transition during his life from soldier to forestry executive to environmentalist,” said Rod Hoffmeister. “It was this last role that I know he would like to be most remembered. I cannot think of a better legacy to my father than the land, flora, and fauna that The Nature Trust of BC has helped to preserve.”

In 1971 the Government of Canada asked Bert Hoffmeister to establish and administer The Nature Trust of British Columbia (originally known as The National Second Century Fund) to celebrate BC’s 100th anniversary in joining Confederation. He was Chairman of the organization for 20 years and his vision and cooperative approach ensured that ecologically sensitive land throughout the province was conserved. He died in 1999 but his legacy lives on in the ongoing work of The Nature Trust.

The Scout Island Nature Centre is a nature sanctuary where living things and their environments are protected. It is recognized as an important wildlife viewing area in the province of BC. The land and waters of the Nature Centre, owned mostly by The Nature Trust, are designated as a public nature education area. In partnership The Nature Trust, The City of Williams Lake and the Williams Lake Field Naturalists are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Nature Centre.

Since 1978 the Williams Lake Field Naturalists have served the community and its visitors by managing the Nature Centre. The club provides knowledgeable staff and volunteers, educational programs, protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat, interpretive information, nature trails, and nature displays and information in the nature house.

The Nature Trust of British Columbia is a leader in protecting BC’s natural diversity of plants and animals through the acquisition and conservation of critical habitats and other areas of ecological significance. Along with our partners, The Nature Trust has invested more than $65 million to secure over 61,000 hectares (150,000 acres) of critical habitat throughout British Columbia.

Conserving BC’s Natural Beauty.

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For more information, please contact:
Robin Rivers, Communications Coordinator
(604) 924-9771 ext. 226