Dustin Snyder, originally from 亚洲天堂 Lake, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his significant contributions to the community through conservation efforts.

The Coronation Medal was established to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and was launched by Canada's Governor General Mary Simon. This award is set to be presented to 30,000 Canadians nationwide.

Eight years ago, Snyder joined the Spruce City Wildlife Association, starting with a small salmon hatchery project. His efforts led to the reopening of the hatchery and the restoration of endangered Chinook salmon populations.

Under his leadership as president, the association secured nearly half a million dollars in grants, transforming into one of British Columbia's most advanced volunteer-driven facilities. He was nominated for the award by Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond.

鈥淚 was born and raised in 亚洲天堂 Lake and left after high school to study outdoor recreation and ecotourism in Valemount. After bouncing around a bit, I settled in Prince George, where my family still lives, so I visit 亚洲天堂 Lake often,鈥� Snyder said about his early years.

Snyder鈥檚 involvement with the Spruce City Wildlife Association began with small projects. 鈥淲hen I joined, we were operating a few minor initiatives. I became involved in the salmon side because the facility housed an old hatchery that had been shut down for years. We managed to persuade the Department of Fisheries to reopen it, despite initial resistance.鈥�

He discovered that the upper and middle Fraser Chinook salmon populations, which range from Prince George to 亚洲天堂 Lake, were endangered.

鈥淲hat started as a fun conservation project turned into meetings with government officials across the country, addressing not just the hatchery but also fishing regulations and habitat restoration,鈥� he said.

The association collaborated with various partners, including First Nations, to enhance local habitats. Their efforts culminated in nearly half a million dollars in funding to renovate the hatchery, making it the most technologically advanced volunteer facility in the province.

鈥淲e are the only volunteer group permitted to work with threatened and endangered salmon stocks,鈥� he said.

Snyder was surprised by his nomination for the award. 鈥淚 never expected this recognition. My motivation has always been to help rebuild these stocks for future generations. Shirley Bond reached out to set up a meeting, and I thought it was just a routine discussion.鈥�

The day before the meeting, Bond informed him to dress up a bit more than usual. 鈥淲hen I arrived at the venue, I realized it was a much bigger event. Local dignitaries and my entire family were there鈥攎y parents, wife, and children鈥攚ho had been informed about the award.鈥�

Reflecting on the recognition, Snyder said he felt humbled, honoured and a little uncomfortable being in the spotlight. He said his achievement is a team effort. 

"We have a great team, and we have a lot of dedicated people that make sure that we're doing good things for the fish and I've just been a big part of that.  It's great to be acknowledged but I like to share this award with everybody who has contributed."

Snyder encourages others to get involved in conservation: 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 need to be a registered biologist or highly educated to make a difference. If you care, just jump in with both feet. Passion is what truly matters.鈥�