Forestry Professor Wins Scientific Achievement Award

Bill Beese, a retired VIU Forestry Department Professor and Forest Ecologist, received the Canadian Forest Scientific Achievement Award from the Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada (CIF-IFC). The award recognizes “individuals who have made innovative and outstanding achievements in forestry research in Canada.” Beese has made significant contributions to forest research in British Columbia and abroad, including his “landmark work implementing the retention silviculture system,” according to CIF-IFC. Retention is an approach to forest harvesting where the trees are left for the long term for their wildlife and biodiversity benefits. “I was thrilled,” says Beese about receiving the award. “Anytime you are recognized by your peers for making a difference it is very satisfying. It’s humbling to have people feel that way about the things I’ve done over the years.” Beese has served on numerous advisory committees on research, old growth forests and ecosystem-based management, including an international science panel for Forestry Tasmania. He has co-authored numerous research papers. “Bill has an international reputation for practical implementation of innovative forestry and is very deserving of this prestigious award,” says Mark Pearson, Executive Director of CIF-IFC, in a media release.

Beese has more than 30 years of experience on the BC coast in research, environmental consulting and policy development for several forest companies — most recently as Forest Ecologist for Western Forest Products in Campbell River. He is a Registered Professional Forester with a Master’s degree in Forest Ecology from the University of British Columbia. He has also received BC Forest Professional magazine’s Best Article in 2008, the Ecological Society of America’s Corporate Award in 2001 and Coastal Silviculturist of the Year in 2000.  “Anytime you are recognized by your peers for making a difference is very satisfying. It's humbling to have people feel that way about things I've done over the years.”

Retired VIU Forestry Department Professor