After retiring from their careers as railroaders, Doug Lapitsky of Mikado and Hal Thomas of Canora were looking for meaningful projects where they could make a difference. For their work they have received the Lorne Topley Memorial Stewardship Award from the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, said Kathy Thomas, president, River Ridge Branch of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, and husband of Hal.
This award is for individuals, groups, or families whose actions exemplify excellence in wildlife land stewardship, enhancement and securement, said Thomas. This award is presented in honour of the memory of Mr. Lorne Topley, who was a passionate leader in land stewardship and securement.
For the last decade, the pair have been working as dedicated stewards of wildlife habitat lands within Region 3 of Saskatchewan and beyond, she said. Focusing on land use monitoring, grazing management, enhancement and land securement, these two have worked for the good of wildlife lands.
Lapitsky and Thomas have spent endless hours studying the effect of grazing on Habitat Trust land to ensure that best grazing management practises were being utilized by livestock producers, she said. In 2015 they were instrumental in organizing a field day that focused on proper grazing management of wildlife habitat lands.
The two gentlemen have been dedicated to visiting, negotiating with, and successfully signing up numerous private land owners in the vicinity of Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation lands for the Wildlife Tomorrow program and conservation land easements, said Thomas.
Most recently, they have begun the process of changing the signage on wildlife lands to update and renew the information posted, she said. This process needs to be done carefully and consistently to ensure proper land use.
The Lorne Topley Memorial Stewardship Award was presented to Lapitsky and Thomas at the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation annual convention in Regina in February 2017. Lapitsky and Thomas were initially nominated for the award by River Ridge Fish and Game.
