PREECEVILLE - Preeceville Wildlife President Greg Gawrelitza had the honour of presenting the club’s past president Owen Myhr with the Lorne Topley Memorial Stewardship Award on behalf of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, stated Heather Gawrelitza, secretary for the Preeceville Wildlife Club.
The award is presented annually at the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation convention which was held virtually on Feb. 26. The award is presented to an individual, group, or family whose actions exemplify excellence in wildlife stewardship, enhancement, and securement. Darren Newberry, SWF Director of Habitat Lands made the virtual presentation speech where he pointed out Myhr’s dedication to his club by serving over 25 years in various positions on the board.
Owen and his wife Rita can be counted on to help the club with various projects and he even volunteers his farm equipment and buildings to help get the projects completed. Owen volunteered his time and farm equipment in the summer of 2021 by tilling and spraying the land to help prepare the soil for tree planting on SWF Habitat Trust quarters which helps increase the survival rate of the trees. There were 39,915 white spruce seedlings planted that will provide additional habitat for wildlife on four quarter sections in the Preeceville area. Over the last eight years, Owen has been directly involved with the acquisition of over 800 acres of wildlife habitat and the Preeceville Wildlife Club has donated over $40,000 to these acquisitions. Secretary Heather Gawrelitza reports that Owen Myhr has recently stepped down from the President position with the local Preeceville Wildlife Club and is currently serving as its Membership Chairman.
“Owen is very deserving of this award and remains a very active board member by being one of our top fundraisers and going above and beyond to collect donations, prizes, and sells many raffle tickets in order to help our club with funding in order to support the SWF and for many local initiates as well,” said Gawrelitza.
“Owen and other club members are is currently collecting online auction donations for our Preeceville Wildlife Online Auction that will be taking place the first week in April and he is currently selling the Preeceville Wildlife Winner’s Choice Raffle tickets for a chance to win $1,200 in local gift cards with the draw to take place on April 27, 2022,” she concluded.
