LiveSmart BC Community Hero
LiveSmart BC Community Hero: Dora McMillan
When you think environmental in Quesnel, Dora McMillan comes to mind. For the past 14 years, she has been Baker Creek Enhancement Society’s driving force and chief spokesperson.
The purpose of Baker Creek Enhancement Society is to promote public awareness, stewardship and restoration of the local environment. And, through McMillan’s dedication and leadership, BCES has many accomplishments to its credit as does McMillan herself.
Her most recent accolade, the B.C. Interior Stewardship Award for Ecosystem Excellence, was presented to McMillan at the 4th Annual B.C. Interior Stewards Workshop. One of her many responsibilities with BCES is to prepare and deliver presentations regarding BCES projects and programs. The Interior Stewards Workshop held in Quesnel, Feb. 28-29 was just such an occasion. The workshop was a chance for groups like BCES, from as far away as Kamloops, to network, share information and hear from industry experts with Fraser Basin Council, Canadian Wildlife Service, B.C. Stewardship Centre, Ministry of Forests and Range as well as specialists with various companies.
“Quesnel isn’t experiencing the same water shortages as other regions such as Williams Lake,” McMillan said. “But the water-wise program will bring awareness and education about the issue.”
During the dinner, McMillan presented BCES accomplishments and then, to her surprise, McMillan was presented with her award. “I was stunned,” she said. “I knew some of the groups nominated and felt they deserved the award.” On a wooden base, a sculpted glass hand rises up, cradling a realistic salmon. The artist, Teom Lim is renowned for his beautiful and anatomically correct work, as well as being a fisherman and a fisheries biologist.
“I love the way he did the hand, it’s rough, just like a fisherman’s hand,” McMillan said. “The title of the sculpture is Hand of the River God.”
Last year, 1,500 students attended educational programs at the centre and McMillan said they are expecting at least as many this year.
