Brian is a giant in the model forest community. His combination of affability, inspired leadership, skilled management and love of connecting with the forest community of eastern Ontario and upper New York State has resulted in a vibrant Eastern Ontario Model Forest.  Although he has also made significant and countless contributions to the evolution of the CMFN and IMFN in the past, we are most grateful to have him focus his knowledge, experience, skill and business acumen on our current challenges and opportunities!

In 2007 Brian received the prestigious C. Ross Silversides Forestry Awards for his outstanding contributions to forestry.  In 2010 he was appointed as a board members for the Nature Conservancy of Canada-Ontario Region.  He is currently a director with the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, and sits as a member of the Larose Forest Committee in the United Counties of Prescott-Russell.  Brian has also been appointed as a special advisor to the Ontario East Wood Centre project, and has been a driving force behind the concept since its inception.  He is past Chairman of the Ottawa Valley Section of the Canadian Institute of Forestry, and a past board member with: the Forest Gene Conservation Association; the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences; the Ontario Rural Council; the Algonquin to Adirondacks Conservation Association; and the Stewardship Network of Ontario.  He has also served as Ontario Co-Chair for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Standards Committee of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) of Canada.  In 2004 he was appointed as a Professional Associate of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto.

Brian has over 30 years of experience working with woodlot owners, industry, communities and the forests of southern Ontario.  The 200 acre family woodlot near Elma is a life-long passion and with the help of friends and family, Barkleyvale Farms maple syrup is produced each year with great pride in Dundas County.