The BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF) Ted Barsby Conservationist of the Year recognizes and honours an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to conservation in B.C.

Veteran B.C. Conservation Officer Rick Hoar is this year’s winner.

Hoar worked for 32 years as a Conservation Officer and then dedicated his retirement to projects benefiting wildlife in and around the Columbia Valley, including the installation of a wildlife overpass on Highway 93 to reduce wild sheep fatalities.

Rick grew up in a rural community and graduated from BCIT in 1974 with diplomas in Fish, Wildlife & Recreation and in Forestry, subjects that would inform his entire life.

Early in his career, he was posted to Creston, where he was involved in enforcement, with investigations often requiring court appearances. He later transferred to the Queen Charlotte Islands where he spent four years.

Hoar was the only CO for all 300 islands in the archipelago and worked on habitat and fisheries with provincial biologists. During his posting, the South Moresby National Park Reserve was declared.

He moved back to the Kootenays where he dealt with a massive volume of hunter and angler compliance checks.

In retirement, Rick dedicated his time to wildlife projects with the Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club, from installing basking logs for turtles to supporting local bat and swallow populations.

Lead image: Rick Hoar, left, receives the Ted Barsby Conservationist of the Year from another renowned local conservationist Dave White.  BC Wildlife Federation photo

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