On April 2, Alvin Long was recognized for his 50 years of service at the Central Butte Wildlife Federation Annual Meeting. Alvin was presented with The Clayton Young Memorial Award whose criteria is to recognize “individuals for their lifetime volunteerism [that] has had a profound positive influence towards fulfilling our Federation’s mission statement ‘to ensure the wild life legacy we leave to our children surpasses that which we inherited.’” There are 6 awards presented each year, one in each region with nominations made by local clubs.
Alvin’s dedication and involvement in the Central Butte organization exceeds this criterion. His accomplishments include serving on the local Board since 1972. Since 1988 he has served as President. Alvin has been horn/antler measuring since 1979 giving him 43 years of experience. In 1988 he became certified to measure for the Henry Kelsey Big Game Records and in 1990 he became certified to measure for the Boon and Crockett Record Club. Alvin, also, instructed the Fire Arm Safety Program from 1980 to 2020, giving him adventures with both the youth and adults. He participated in 3 Student Conventions at the Central Butte School introducing and encouraging students of the importance of Wildlife Conservation and the career employments in this field. Each year Alvin encouraged a youth to attend the Wildlife Camp where participants are given experiences in the outdoors. Each participant returned with enthusiasm for the program.
He worked closely with the provincial leadership and was instrumental in introducing the educational FINS program into Central Butte School. Rainbow trout eggs were delivered to the school to be raised until their entry to a water source to repopulate the species.
Alvin grew up 5 miles from Lake Diefenbaker and was encouraged by his parents, Ken and Marg, to respect and enjoy the wildlife and their habitat. His dad served on the Local Board, as well.
The Clayton Young Memorial Award was presented to him virtually during the Annual Provincial Meeting. Receiving the award virtually did not take the prestige away from its meaning, although in person, there would have been some members who had worked with Alvin to congratulate him personally.
Alvin’s 50 years of dedication to the Central Butte Wildlife group was honored with a framed collection of the Big Game Belt Buckle Collection. Each year the Wildlife Federation produces a limited-edition belt buckle made with one of the big game animals in Saskatchewan and the Wildlife crest on it.
Alvin continues to offer support and guidance as President to the new generation of Wildlife members in Central Butte and is considered a ‘vital’ member.
A job well done Alvin! Thank you for your leadership and dedication.
