CWF logo white
6
54435502747 b44067b9be c
54436364536 7f0c46f0d7 c
5
Excellence in Forestry Operations Award1

Expansion of the Canadian Woodlands Forum Forestry Awards Program

The Canadian Woodlands Forum (CWF) is pleased to announce the expansion of its Forestry Awards Program, strengthening our commitment to recognizing outstanding achievements and leadership across the forest sector. Beginning this year, four awards will be presented annually—with two awards at the CWF Spring Meeting and two awards at the CWF Fall Meeting—allowing us to celebrate excellence, innovation, and impact more broadly across the community.

This expanded program reflects CWF’s dedication to promoting safety and operational excellence, honouring lifetime achievement and mentorship, supporting emerging leaders, fostering innovation and growth, and raising the profile of forestry and those who support it throughout Atlantic Canada.

Spring Meeting Awards

  • Excellence in Forestry Operations Award (formerly Contractor of the Year): Recognizing outstanding professionalism, safety, productivity, and environmental stewardship in forest operations.
  • Hall of Fame (Lifetime Achievement Award): Honouring individuals whose careers have made a lasting contribution to forestry and woodland operations in Atlantic Canada.

Fall Meeting Awards

  • Young Forest Leader Award (Under 35): Celebrating emerging professionals who are demonstrating leadership, innovation, and positive change in the sector.
  • Innovation in Forestry Award: Spotlighting new ideas, technologies, products, or business models that strengthen productivity, sustainability, and workforce wellbeing.

Through this expansion, CWF is proud to further acknowledge the people, organizations, and innovations shaping a strong, safe, and sustainable future for forestry.

We are now accepting nominations for the Excellence in Forestry Operations Award.

Deadline February 9, 2026

Excellence in Forestry Operations Award

Nomination Information Package – 2025

To honour contractors who consistently demonstrate excellence in:

  • Operational performance and business management
  • Worker wellbeing, training, and retention
  • Environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance
  • Innovation and continuous improvement in the forestry sector

The recipients of the Excellence in Forestry Operations Award will receive:

  • An engraved wood plaque crafted from regional hardwood
  • Recognition during the CWF Spring Meeting Awards Luncheon
  • A digital feature video or profile story shared across CWF social media, website, and newsletter

Candidates may include contractors involved in:

  • Forest harvesting operations 
  • Trucking and wood transport from forest to mill
  • Silviculture operations, including planting, spacing, pre-commercial thinning, and related services.

Nominees must meet the following requirements:

  • Operate as a professional contractor
  • Meet all workplace, environmental, and industry regulations
  • Maintain appropriate business insurance
  • Demonstrate good utilization, optimization, and responsible operational practices
  • Ensure proper equipment maintenance and worker safety
  • Engage positively with landowners, companies, regulators, and local communities

Nominations will be evaluated across five key categories:

Safety and Compliance

A proven safety record, proactive safety culture, and consistent adherence to occupational, transportation, and environmental regulations.

Operational Excellence

Strong productivity metrics; consistent delivery of high-quality work; reliability in meeting contractual commitments, project timelines, and operational standards.

Workforce Development

Commitment to crew training, professional development, employee retention, and fostering a respectful, supportive, and inclusive workplace environment.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Deployment of new ideas, technologies, or process improvements that increase operational efficiency, productivity, sustainability, or safety.

Industry Engagement and Reputation

Exhibiting professionalism, integrity, and leadership; contributing to the forestry community; upholding a positive reputation among peers, clients, and partners.

To nominate a deserving contractor, please submit the following:

Completed Nomination Form
 (Attach form or provide link/appendix as required)

Nomination Letter
 Outline why the candidate should be considered, including:

  • Approach to running their business
  • Examples of ingenuity, innovation, or process improvements
  • Significant accomplishments and contributions to the sector

At Least One Letter of Reference
 References may come from clients, suppliers, forestry professionals, partners, or community representatives.

Supporting Materials

  • Photos of contractor, crew, onsite photos
  • Additional documentation or testimonials 

Nominations will be accepted from CWF members and non-members, including forest product companies, suppliers, woodlot organizations, and government agencies. Member companies may nominate recipients of their internal awards.

February 9, 2026

All nomination materials must be submitted by the deadline to be considered.

  • The CWF evaluation panel will review all submissions.
  • Top candidates will be shortlisted based on the written nomination materials.
  • A field visit or interview may be conducted for final evaluation.
  • Award recipients will be selected and recognized at the CWF Spring Meeting.
2
nomination form