At the Canadian Woodlands Forum Spring Meeting, we were proud to recognize individuals whose leadership, innovation, and commitment continue to advance forestry across Atlantic Canada. The Hall of Fame Award and the Excellence in Forestry Operations Award highlight both long-term impact and excellence on the ground.
Allan Eddy
The Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the forestry sector through leadership, collaboration, and influence across industry, government, and organizations.
Allan Eddy’s career reflects more than four decades of dedication to Canada’s natural resource sector. His work has spanned the Canadian Forest Service, Nova Scotia Power, and senior leadership roles within the Government of Nova Scotia—placing him at the forefront of forestry policy, program development, and sector advancement.
Known for his ability to connect people and ideas, Allan has played a key role in shaping forestry in Atlantic Canada. He led the Future Directions in Forest Management initiative in 2011, helping guide sustainable forestry practices in Nova Scotia, and was instrumental in launching the High Performance Logging Program, supporting hundreds of contractors and forestry workers.
His contributions extend to the Forestry Economic Task Force and the Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub, where he served as Chair—demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation and collaboration.
Respected for his clarity, mentorship, and practical insight, Allan has left a lasting legacy on the sector. His approach—grounded in experience and often delivered with humour—has influenced generations of forestry professionals.
This award recognizes contractors who demonstrate:
Dennis Bedford
Bedford Forestry Services Inc.
With over 25 years of experience in silviculture leadership, Dennis Bedford is driving meaningful change in forestry operations. Formerly with Novon Forestry, Dennis has established D. Bedford Forestry Services Inc. with a clear focus on workforce development and contractor sustainability.
A certified trainer, Dennis is advancing standardization in silviculture while addressing labour shortages through a hands-on training model. By partnering with local schools, he is actively recruiting youth aged 16–18—providing paid training, mentorship, and full equipment support.
Since 2024, his company has hired more than 20 new operators, building a strong pipeline of skilled workers while completing previously neglected woodlot treatments. His leadership extends beyond his own operations as Chair of the Nova Scotia Forestry Contractors Association and as a recognized Innovator of the Year by the Forestry Sector Council.
Dennis’s work is strengthening both operational capacity and the future workforce of the forestry sector.
Steve Landry
STAO Foresterie Inc.
Steve Landry of STAO Foresterie Inc. exemplifies operational excellence at scale. Selected from 12 contractors evaluated by Acadian Timber in 2025, Steve leads a high-performing operation producing over 75,000 m³ annually—including 83,000 m³ in 2025.
Managing complex harvesting environments with up to 12 product sorts per block, his operation demonstrates exceptional versatility across both softwood and hardwood systems. His hands-on leadership ensures consistent quality, productivity, and attention to detail in every aspect of the work.
Safety and environmental performance are central to his success, with over 27,000 hours worked in 2025 without a recordable safety or environmental incident. Supported by a dedicated team of seven operators and strong family involvement, STAO Foresterie reflects both professionalism and legacy.
A long-standing and trusted contractor with Acadian Timber, Steve has been a repeated nominee over the past eight years—recognized for his innovation, adaptability, and collaborative approach.
Recognizing Excellence Across the Sector
The accomplishments of Allan Eddy, Dennis Bedford, and Steve Landry reflect the strength of leadership across all areas of forestry—from policy and collaboration to operational excellence and workforce development.
Their contributions are shaping a resilient, innovative, and sustainable future for forestry in Atlantic Canada.
Congratulations to all recipients.
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
Fall Meeting Awards
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.
To honour contractors who consistently demonstrate excellence in:
The recipients of the Excellence in Forestry Operations Award will receive:
Candidates may include contractors involved in:
Nominees must meet the following requirements:
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:
At Least One Letter of Reference
References may come from clients, suppliers, forestry professionals, partners, or community representatives.
Supporting Materials
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.
