National Awards
Each year the Canadian Institute of Forestry presents a number of Awards in recognition of outstanding and unique accomplishments to forestry in Canada. Recipients may earn distinction through demonstration of exceptional accomplishments in the field of forestry.
National Award Nomination Forms
The nomination deadline for all National Awards is May 15th of the nomination year. Please see below for the General Nomination Form which includes information on eligibility criteria and the nomination procedure.
The CIF-IFC is pleased to announce that a new Award category recognizing exemplary achievements in the area of gender, diversity and inclusion was added to the National Awards program in 2021. This category includes a Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Group Achievement Award, and a Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Award. Learn more below!
The three following Awards have different nomination forms than the General Nomination Form:
National Awards List
- Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Group Achievement Award
- Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Award
- Prince of Wales Award for Sustainable Forestry
- Prince of Wales Forest Leadership Award
- Canadian Forestry Achievement Award
- Canadian Forestry Scientific Achievement Award
- International Forestry Achievement Award
- James M Kitz Award
- Canadian Forest Management Group Achievement
- Presidential Award
- Section of the Year Award
- Schlich Memorial Prize
- Tree of Life Award
- Gold Medal Award
- Honourary Members
- James S. Miller Memorial Scholarship
- J. Michael Waldram Memorial Model Forest Fellowship
- Ian Morrison Tribute Award
- Forest Capital of Canada Designation
Past Award Winners
Volunteer Recognition
The Canadian Institute of Forestry proudly continues its recognition of outstanding volunteers. This recognition is part of the CIF’s celebrations that take place at the AGM & Conference.
Rationale
Our volunteers are the backbone of the CIF. Since 1908, volunteers have played a special role in the growth of the Institute, sharing their time, energy and expertise through activities such as office work, field work, fundraising, knowledge exchange and resource sharing. As volunteers are vital to the CIF’s mission, it is our duty to ensure that they are recognized for their efforts.
Criteria
The names, addresses and description of volunteer work done by CIF volunteer(s) must be provided via the local Section Council to CIF National Office (media@cif-ifc.org). All Sections and members are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals based on the following criteria:
- The individual is a member in good standing with the Canadian Institute of Forestry; and
- They have provided five or more years of service to the Institute nationally or locally (e.g. Section Chair or Secretary) or through committees (awards review, newsletter, workshop, etc); or
- They have made a significant contribution to the CIF National or in their respective Section (e.g. developing a new program that promotes the CIF).
- And they have not received the Presidential Award

Fellows of the Institute
A member or ex-member who has made outstanding contributions to the advancement of forestry or to the Institute, may be elected a Fellow of the Institute by not fewer than two thirds of the votes cast at the meeting of the Board of Directors. (By-law 3.1.1.) Fellows of the Institute shall be exempt from payment of membership dues and shall enjoy the rights and privileges accorded to Active Members.
Golden Year Club
This Award recognizes individuals celebrating 50 years of membership with the Institute.
CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF FORESTRY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
This award was newly added to the CIF-IFC National Awards Program for 2021 and provides an avenue for the CIF-IFC Executive Director to recognize outstanding accomplishments of National Office team members in helping to achieve the Institute’s mission to provide national leadership, promote competence, and foster public awareness of Canadian and international forestry/forest issues.