Summary Document Fred Cheverie Roland Michener Award Organizations, clubs, volunteer presence Dates Organization/Institution Description 1975 - Souris Consolidated Developed curriculum for Grades 7 and 8 called “Ecology”. This was taught for over 20 years 76 School until subject was absorbed into broader science curriculum. Developed “Jackrabbit” cross country ski program. Early Souris Striders Ski Club Involved in the formation of the club and the development of groomed trails in coordination 1980s with PEI Forestry. 1970s, Various Organizations Certified coach in cross country skiing, orienteering, baseball and hockey. Organized provincial 1980s competitions. and 1990s 1980s Canadian Wildlife Engaged countless students in the CWF Poster Contest. Many of Fred’s students received and Federation national awards. 1990s 1993 Atlantic Salmon Federation Represented PEI as one of three teachers to develop inaugural curriculum for “Fish Friends” program, which is still used in classrooms today 2005 to Souris and Area Branch of Watershed Coordinator. Taken SAB from a small organization without full time coordination 2020 the PEI Wildlife and 2 summer staff to a large, influential organization with funding exceeding $500k in typical Federation (SAB) year and average of 15 staff per year, with 4 full time. Led of variety of projects including, to name a few, ground-breaking agricultural programs, pioneering in-stream work, land securement for conservation purposes and pilot Living Shoreline projects. 2000s Souris and Area Branch of Fred spearheaded a pilot project on Ecological Goods and Services in the Souris Area soon the PEI Wildlife after starting with the Souris and Area Branch. The success of this program (now called Federation (SAB) Alternative Land Use Services) led to the expansion of the program to the entire Island. 2000s Souris and Area Branch of Very involved in the establishment of the Basin Head Marine Protected Area by Fisheries and the PEI Wildlife Oceans Canada. Federation (SAB Past achievements, awards, academic distinctions 1987 Province of PEI Presented with Environmental Award of Excellence in the Education Sector
2012 Department of Fisheries SAB is presented with Canada’s Recreational Fisheries Award by DFO and Oceans/SAB 2014 Senate of Canada Presented a Canada 150 Medal for his leadership in conservation. See Senator Diane Griffin’s letter of support. Memberships, service on boards and councils 1973 Rural Municipality of Chairman of Steering Committee that led to formation of the municipality Eastern Kings 1980s, Souris and Area Branch of Served on the Board and as President 1990s the PEI Wildlife and Federation (SAB) 2000s 2012 - Rural Municipality of Served on committee to make changes to the Official Plan, including extending buffer zones 2013 Eastern Kings to 60 metres when adjacent to waterways 2000s PEI Watershed Alliance Involved in formation of PEI Watershed Alliance and served on Board until 2020. Served on committee to develop the “PEI Watershed Strategy” in 2015. Currently serves on the sub- committee reviewing the Watershed Management Fund. 2000s PEI Wildlife Conservation Served on committee to develop WCF, including creating PEI Conservation Plates, where Fund (WCF) money from license renewals go to a conservation fund. Served as Director for 6 years and 1 term as chairperson. Letters of Support: Senator Diane Griffin, Atlantic Salmon Federation, University of Prince Edward Island, Agriculture and Agri- Foods Canada, Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation, PEI Wildlife Federation, PEI Watershed Alliance, Province of PEI representatives, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, a protégé, fellow teachers, the Cheverie family and the Town of Souris.
Articles and Clippings: There are countless articles, clippings and videos that would fill our 10-page limit alone. A quick google search will lead you to countless articles, images and videos that will give you a sense of the leadership Fred has provided on so many levels over the more recent years.
January 28, 2021
Canadian Wildlife Federation 350 Michael Cowpland Drive Kanata, Ontario K2M 2W1
Re: Letter of support for the nomination of Fred Cheverie for the Roland Michener Award for Conservation
Dear Awards Committee:
In my 30 years of experience with conservation practitioners and conservation research in two countries, Fred Cheverie stands as a giant. I believe he epitomizes the spirit behind the Roland Michener Award for Conservation. Fred’s was a school teacher on PEI for 30 years before becoming highly active as the watershed coordinator for the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation in 2005. While most of us look forward to a peaceful retirement, Fred transitioned into a full-time conservation role with the vigor of a very young man. For the last 15 years Fred has worked tirelessly, managing staff, securing funding, and planning and executing conservation activities. Freds achievement were more than just a full-time job, it was his passion, and the work of two people (and indeed two people now replace him). At the time of Fred’s full-time entry into conservation work, watershed groups were an ad hoc affair on PEI. Fred’s group led the way at a time where most of PEI did not even have watershed groups. It is important to understand that the work that Fred had far-reaching impacts well beyond his immediate area of responsibility. At the time, watershed groups had no mandate, central governance, or public funding. I was not until a public consultation was held, and a report was released by the Province of PEI in 2007 that this started to change. By this time, Fred had already transformed Souris and Area Branch to the poster child for what our watershed groups are today. This leadership led to public funding for watershed groups that now manage conservation activities in more than 95% of the area of PEI. This also led to an umbrella group representing watershed groups, the PEI Watershed Alliance, and Fred has sat on that board for several years. As another example of how Fred’s leadership influenced the entire evolution of conservation and stewardship on PEI, Fred spearheaded a pilot project on Ecological Goods and Services in the Souris Area soon after starting with the Souris and Area Branch. This program pays farmers for stewardship measures over and above what is required of them. The success of this program (now called Alternative Land Use Services) led to the expansion of the program to the entire Island, where it continues as a success to this day. Fred was also very involved in the establishment of the Basin Head Marine Protected Area by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Basin Head is a small lagoon east of Souris. This area had a unique phenotype of irish moss, a form of this marine plant not found elsewhere in the region. Though the establishment of Basin Head as a Marine Protected Area, and subsequent and ongoing management activities, Fred has contributed to the preservation of this unique plant. Shortly after the establishment of Basin Head, the irish moss was threatened by the invasive green crab. Fred was very active in establishing a program to trap and remove green crab that has helped to preserve the irish moss till this day. In Souris area itself, Fred was soon managing conservation activities in multiple watersheds representing a good chunk of the Island. On PEI, the Atlantic salmon has been decimated, with declines occurring after human colonization, and those declines have continued into the last few decades. Fred took on salmon habitat conservation with a passion. It appears that those declines have halted. It is hard to find good news stories about Atlantic salmon. Due to Fred’s efforts, the Souris area certainly is the only good new story that PEI has had in recent memory. Efforts to maintain and restore salmon habitat in the area, soon led to increases in spawning salmon in local streams. The area remains one of the few healthy regions for wild Atlantic salmon populations on PEI because of Fred’s efforts. As an applied scientist, I can attest that Fred has facilitated researchers working with conservation practitioners in every way possible. He has long recognized the long-term value of science to conservation. For example, Fred participated in a salmon genetics study done by a Quebec group. This group made the interesting discovery that there is a unique strain of salmon genetics in the Souris area, and this may represent the ancestral strain of salmon that was on PEI prior to European colonization. This discovery has huge implications, and it would not have happened without Fred working with scientists. I cannot begin to count the number of research projects that Fred has contributed to within my own laboratory. These range from the ecology of springs, to sediment loading, estuarine plants and eutrophication, salmon smolt tracking, salmon adult tracking, and development of methods to measure salmon recruitment and study conditions in salmon nests. Fred was always quick to volunteer his personal time, provide staff, expertise, and even funding. At least five graduate students would never have completed their degrees without Fred’s assistance. Fred’s accomplishments are not by accident. Every farmer is his neighbor and friend (he probably taught half of them in school). He speaks plainly and honestly, and engenders enormous respect from farmers, community members, civil servants, students, and scientists alike. The no nonsense, ‘lets get it done’ approach is why he has made his mark on PEI conservation practice for some time to come. This ability to communicate have led to Souris and Area farmers being the most responsible and forward- thinking farmers on PEI. Personally, I find Fred’s views on conservation illuminating and insightful. For example, while we still fight against the status quo of put-and-take stocked Atlantic salmon for the benefit of anglers, Fred understands that wild self-reproducing populations can be the only long-term conservation goal. He was immediately able to see the importance of genetics to that equation. In summary, and appreciating the I can only reflect a small fraction of what Fred has done for conservation, if anybody has worked harder, and had more impact on conservation than Fred, I would love to meet them. I have not met such a person yet.
Sincerely
Michael R. van den Heuvel, Ph.D. Profesor Past Director of the Canadian Rivers Institute Past Canada Research Chair Departments of Biology, and Biomedical Sciences University of Prince Edward Island
Department of Fisheries and Oceans Aquatic Ecosystem Branch Marine Planning and Conservation Program P.O. Box 5030 Moncton, NB E1C 9B6
January 21, 2021
Object: Mr. Frederick Cheverie Nomination for the Roland Michener Conservation Award
Dear Canadian Wildlife Federation Awards Committee,
It is my pleasure to write this letter in support of Mr. Frederick Cheverie’s nomination for the Roland Michener Conservation Award. I am a senior Biologist with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans which have worked with Mr. Cheverie and the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation to monitor and advance the management of the Basin Head Marine Protected Area (MPA) since 2013.
Mr. Cheverie is an incredibly dedicated and generous partner which has been involved since the very beginning in the nomination of the Basin Head lagoon as an Area of Interest. His involvement in the Basin Head Lagoon Conservation Committee formed in 1999 and his support for the protection of this unique coastal ecosystem has contributed to it’s successful official designation as an Oceans Act Marine Protected Area in 2005. Since then, Mr. Cheverie and the Wildlife Federation has been actively involved in the yearly monitoring and restoration of this MPA. Being well appreciated by the local community, Mr. Cheverie was able to advocate and share information on this unique Marine Protected Area. Without him, DFO would have not been able to have such good relationship and support for the implementation of management measures with the local farmers and resident that live within the Basin Head watershed. Mr. Cheverie has been our spokes person on the Prince Edward Island and never missed an occasion to have CBC or local media publish good news stories on the Basin Head MPA. In fact, Mr, Cheverie has always seen the potential use of the Basin Head MPA especially as a tourism attraction and opportunity for education and outreach with local schools. He has been a key influencer to receive funding and lead the construction of an interpretative day park at Basin Head that opened in 2019. Him and his group has also developed and led a “Beyond the Beach” tour which offered an educational activity for tourists and local community to explore the coastal biodiversity found within the Basin Head MPA. Mr. Cheverie always has solutions to offer and never misses the opportunity to take on projects no matter how big they might be.
Finally, Mr. Cheverie has contributed to the successful achievement of the conservation objectives set out for this MPA. Without this partnership, DFO alone would have not been able to accomplish so many projects.
Sincerely,
Marie-Hélène Thériault Senior Oceans Management Biologist
January 28th, 2021
Dear Canadian Wildlife Federation Awards Nomination Committee,
I am writing this letter on behalf of the PEI Watershed Alliance to indicate our support of Fred Cheverie for the Roland Michener Conservation Award. Fred Cheverie is a steadfast member of our watershed community, who has worked tirelessly to improve PEI’s environment and to advance watershed management initiatives in our province.
Fred became watershed coordinator with Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation (Souris Wildlife) in 2005 after retiring from a 30-year public school teaching career. Under Fred’s guidance, Souris Wildlife has become an excellent demonstration of the merits and accomplishments possible through watershed management planning. Fred’s ability to connect people has engaged stakeholders (e.g., Agriculture, Forestry, Trapping, Fishing, Aquaculture, Government, etc.) in determining common vision and goals and allowed for the implementation of successful solutions to environmental issues. Seeing Souris Wildlife’s success, allowed for the expansion of watershed management across the island with Fred encouraging and guiding other watershed groups through the process.
Fred has the great ability to engage people and communities in environmental causes. In 2007, he rallied watershed groups together to discuss the creation of an Alliance as he saw the benefit of watershed groups working together to address common concerns and access resources and funding. When the PEI Watershed Alliance was officially established in 2010, Fred was a founding board member and has been both Chair and Vice-Chair for our organization over the years.
Fred has worked tirelessly to address environmental policy issues and to keep watershed concerns at the political and community forefront. Through his involvement with the PEI Watershed Alliance, Fred has presented to provincial caucuses, standing committees and public consultations on watershed management and all aspects of environmental concerns. He has represented the Alliance on numerous committees including (but certainly not limited to): Development of PEI Watershed Strategy (2015), Development of PEI Conservation License plates (2013), and the Watershed Management Fund (WMF) Formula Committee (2016). All of this committee work has resulted in numerous gains for the watershed and conservation community. He has helped to raise the profile of the PEI Watershed Alliance so that the government(s) and other organizations know to include the Alliance in discussions related to the environment and watershed management issues.
Working on the WMF funding formula committee with government and other watershed members, Fred provided valuable insight into the creation of a formula that provides funding consistency and stability to watershed groups. This funding model is the envy of conservation groups across the country and Fred was instrumental in its creation.
Fred is happy to discuss environmental projects and has been a mentor to many within the watershed community on PEI. He is willing to share his knowledge, and learnt experiences with other watershed groups especially his more innovative approaches to rehabilitation. He encourages his team to come up with unique ways of addressing concerns and is always proud to highlight their results. Some examples being the construction of the “silt gator” to move silt out of estuarine habitats; zip-lines to move construction materials into remote river rehabilitation locations; and removable fish ladders to move salmon upstream. His conservation work is well known across the island as well as on the regional level and it is common for environmental practitioners from across the country to reach out to Fred for advice.
Fred has created a legacy of improving PEI’s environment through meaningful partnerships and community involvement. His involvement in the Watershed Alliance has elevated our organization and increased the capacity of all watershed groups across the island to complete important environmental initiatives. He is a most deserving of the Roland Michener Conservation Award.
Yours in conservation,
Mike Durant, Chairperson, PEI Watershed Alliance
www.peiwatershedalliance.org
To whom it may concern,
I am pleased to write a letter of support for the nomination of Fred Cheverie for the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Roland Michener Conservation Award. I first met Fred in 1993 as an employee of the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF). ASF was in the process of developing its “Fish Friends” school curriculum. This program introduced children to Atlantic salmon by means of the activities described in a curriculum guide and through the hands-on activity of raising salmon and trout eggs in classroom incubation units to the fry stage. Students would then release their young fish into local streams. The kids nurtured their fish while learning about habitat, adaptation, biodiversity, life cycles, freshwater ecology, sustainability and stewardship. Fred was one of a handful of teachers in Atlantic Canada that was instrumental in the development of the “Fish Friends” program.. The program was eventually taught in 700 schools across Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Maine, and New England. Fred used the curriculum in his grade 7 classroom until he a retired from teaching in 2005.
After retirement from the school system Fred began working in the watershed restoration field supporting the local watershed group in their efforts. Fred very quickly became the lead for the organizations conservation efforts. A roll that he only retired from in 2020. The Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation is held in high regard amongst 24 watershed organizations in PEI due to, in big part, to Fred’s guidance and commitment. I spent the better part 22 years as a freshwater biologist bouncing between watershed groups providing guidance on watershed matters and made many trips to Fred’s backyard. Fred was always present and eager to do the right thing and was never dismayed when the solutions were daunting.
I am presently the Executive Director of the PEI Department of Environment Water and Climate Change. A roll I’ve been in for 7 yrs since leaving the private sector. As regulator I face many decision points regarding the environment as a whole. Where Fred was once a colleague of sorts he has now become a proverbial pain in the ass. Always pushing the envelope on what is needed to conserve and protect the environment in PEI. I admire him for that as it is exactly what I would do if in his shoes.
I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Fred Cheverie. If you have questions or require further information please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Todd Dupuis
[email protected] 902-388-8641
To Whom it May Concern,
To the best of my knowledge, I first met Fred Cheverie at a PEI Wildlife Conservation Fund Committee meeting. He was a ‘presence’. He had a large personality and it came as no shock that he was a (now retired) career school teacher. He commands a room and has very stoic views on all aspects of local conservation issues.
Fred and I have had more than our fair share of differences, but at the core of it all, we share a passion for conservation in PEI. We’ve collaborated on several projects and given out millions in conservation funds to a variety of projects. Fred has been a driving force behind the growth and advancement of the Souris and area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation. He was instrumental in growing ‘his’ watershed management group to the be the largest in PEI.
Fred is a constant fixture at stakeholder meetings; whether it be watershed specific, conservation fund, or Minister’s resource meetings. He is a powerful advocate for his region of the Island and always willing to help where needed. Anyone I know who has worked for, been taught by, or worked with Fred all agree…he’s a hard working, articulate, driven leader. I’m convinced he would do anything for his friends and his Region.
If Freddy’s not on the golf course, or watching his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, rest assured, he’s advancing the cause of the Souris and Area Branch and conservation in PEI. In my opinion, he’s one of the foremost advocates of Conservation in PEI – arguably the most as he’s done it all voluntarily. Fred continues to be a mentor and leader and will be for years to come; I’m sure of that.
Respectfully,
PEI Wildlife Federation Duncan Crawford January 25,2021
Re: Nomination of Mr. Fred Cheverie for the Roland Michener Conservation Award
Dear Canadian Wildlife Federation Awards Committee,
I am writing this letter of support for the nomination of Mr. Fred Cheverie for the Roland Michener conservation award by Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation (SABPWF).
I am a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). I conduct research to advance knowledge and develop agricultural conservation practices to protect water quality. I have closely collaborated with Mr. Cheverie on a number of projects, including 1)AAFC PEI Ecological Goods and Services Pilot project (2005-2009), 2)AAFC Watershed Evaluation of BMPs project (WEBs) (2009-2013), 3) Canadian Water Network project "Origin, Occurrence and Fate of Nitrate in Sedimentary Bedrock Groundwater in the Maritimes" (2011-2015), 4) AAFC Agricultural Greenhouse Gas pqect "Planting willow riparian buffers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions" (2016-20211and 5) MFC Living Labs Initiative (2019-2023). Our common goal is to develop and transfer conservation practices for farmers to reduce nutrient loads into receiving water courses and greenhouse gas emission. Mr. Cheverie participated in all these projects with a strong passion and integrity. He led his team at SABPWF to help establish and manage the research sites, collect samples/data and liaise with the participating farmers. While most conservation NGOs have a difficulty in engaging farmers in our region, Mr. Cheverie was able to engage farmers into these important regional projects because he deeply appreciates the farmers' concerns and language, His ability and skill in constantly engaging farmers was a key factor for the success of our projects. With Mr. Cheverie's decade-long supports, we were able to establish a conservation lab in a farmer's field in his community where we have advanced multilevel groundwater monitoring wells, paired tile drains, a stream gauging station and willow buffer. This lab has become a key part of the first of the five important MFC Living Labs in the country,
Mr. Chevierie is a great leader in nature conservation. He led SABPWF by making endless efforts in seeking funding and resources for numerous projects to protect nature. Under his leadership, SABPWF has evolved into the most successful and influential conservation NGO in this region. SABPWF has made a great contribution in fish habitat and water quality protection and hained many next generation conservation personals in his community.
With all these, I fully support the nomination of Mr. Fred Cheverie for the Roland Michener Conservation Award.
Sincerely,
Yefang Jiang, PhD, P.Geo. Research Scientist, Hydrology and Water Quality Charlottetown Research and Develooment Centre Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 440 University Ave., Charlottetown PE C1A 4N6 Yefa!. g.ji an g @cgn ad a. ca Tel: 902-370-1430 TIY:902-370-1444 To whom it may concern,
Life is funny sometimes in that opportunity can present itself out the nowhere, and serendipity can introduce you to someone who will alter your path. Meeting Fred Cheverie was undoubtedly one of the defining moments of my life and set me on a course to an amazing career in a field I am passionate about.
When we first met, Fred was an established leader in wildlife conservation but was just beginning his role as Souris River Watershed Coordinator. I was an undergraduate student with an interest in the outdoors but unsure of where my studies would take me. Fred has a no- nonsense demeanor, but also an uncanny ability to recognize potential in those around him. We bonded very early on over our shared interest in sports and politics, but mostly in our appreciation of the fact that we are from a very special place with a sensitive environment that deserves protection. Fred recognized that I could be helpful in ways other than in-stream enhancement, and took me under his proverbial wing. It didn’t take long to appreciate that Fred was not content with the status quo, and his ambition and willingness to tackle the big issues led us to work together on some groundbreaking projects for PEI. Fred led the development of the integrated Souris River Watershed Management Plan, which at its time became the model for watershed planning in PEI. He was instrumental in bringing the pilot Ecological Goods and Services (EG&S) project to PEI, building on his hard earned trust and relationships to engage farmers in environmental issues. He tirelessly led local watershed restoration efforts, helping to remedy issues decades in the making. All the while Fred became a close friend and mentor, and it was in this relationship that I began to seriously consider a career in wildlife management.
I’ve been very lucky in my life that windows have opened at the right time, and the right people have been there when I needed them. My time working with Fred taught me a lot, and shaped the type of person I am today. He taught me that some causes are worth fighting for, and that you cannot over-emphasize the power of relationships in accomplishing big things. He taught me that issues aren’t going to fix themselves, and talking about them will only get you so far. Most importantly, he showed me what a true champion of conservation looks like, and I expect I’ll spend the rest of my career trying to emulate that. There are very few individuals on PEI who have made a bigger mark on wildlife conservation than Fred Cheverie, and I believe he is a model for what Roland Michener Conservation Award represents.
Sincerely,
Garry Gregory
Wildlife Biologist, Province of Prince Edward Island
January 27, 2021
Keila Miller, Co-watershed Coordinator Souris and Area Branch of PEI Wildlife Federation 1358 Souris Line Rd. Souris, PEI, C0A 2B0
Dear Ms. Miller,
I am writing on behalf of the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) to express our support for Fred Cheverie’s nomination for the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Roland Michener Conservation Award. While I have only personally known Fred since I took on the role as ASF’s program director for Prince Edward Island in the Spring of 2019, he has been a very important and influential person for ASF on PEI for decades. Even in the short time frame where I have been working with Fred and his teams, his dedication and invaluable contributions to the protection, conservation and restoration of wildlife and natural settings has been obvious. There has been rarely a meeting or planning session where Fred wasn’t either present or one of his contributions discussed. A good example of this was at a recent meeting of the PEI Watershed Alliance when several around the table expressed relief when they were informed that Fred was coming out of “retirement” yet again to assist with a controversial planning committee. Fred is certainly a dedicated advocate and is a significant contributor to the innovative and forward-thinking approach to wildlife conservation on Prince Edward Island. This not to give the impression that Fred’s numerous contributions have just been behind the scenes in planning and quiet advocacy. Fred has also been a very active and outspoken advocate involved in hands on wildlife conservation and public outreach. These more publicly visible contributions span decades starting from when he was a young teacher, through his volunteer roles and during his second career as a watershed coordinator for the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation (SAB PEI WF). These visible contributions have taken on numerous visages through Fred’s decades long career as a conservationist and advocate. Recently he was a passionate spokesperson that led the public charge to oppose a windfarm that threatened migratory birds. In the salmon community Fred was integral in supporting a study on salmon, which identified a unique ancestral strain of wild Atlantic Salmon, he has led numerous community outreach initiatives, and spearheaded on the ground conservation and restoration efforts. These efforts have made SAB PEI WF into one of our biggest and most active and influential affiliates on the Island. Through his direct contributions, and through his stewardship, leadership and mentoring of the next generation Fred has created a legacy of conservation in the Souris Area and on Prince Edward Island.
Fred is a pillar of the community and a shining example of all the good that can be accomplished for wildlife by a dedicated individual. I feel that Fred is a very deserving candidate for recognition by CWF and an excellent nominee for the Roland Michener Conservation Award. I am pleased both personally and professionally to give him our endorsement.
Yours in conservation,
Kris Hunter, Director of NS-PEI Programs, ASF
About ASF: The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) is an international conservation organization established in 1948. The Federation is dedicated to the conservation, protection and restoration of wild Atlantic salmon and the ecosystems on which their wellbeing and survival depend. ASF's headquarters are in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada, with regional offices in each of the Atlantic provinces, Quebec, and Maine. ASF has a network of six regional councils and numerous affiliates from across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Maine, which cover the freshwater range of wild Atlantic salmon in Canada and the United States.
22 January 2021 Dear Canadian Wildlife Federation Awards Committee, I am very pleased to lend my support to the nomination of Fred Cheverie for the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Roland Michener Conservation Award. Fred Cheverie has been a driving force in the conservation and protection of the rivers of eastern Prince Edward Island for decades. My understanding is that Fred was crucial in Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation being a pioneer in the field of stream habitat and rehabilitation work, with crews working as early as 1971 to improve and maintain habitat for fish like Atlantic salmon by keeping key reaches open for migration. Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation has been a leader in promoting community action and public awareness of the importance of river conservation. I first met Fred during a project site visit in 2010. The Souris and Area Branch of PEI Wildlife Federation had been a successful applicant for an Eastern Kings Salmon Restoration Project addressing conservation issues on the North Lake River, Cross River, Priest Pond Creek, Naufrage River and Souris River in Eastern PEI. Fred and I travelled this wide area and I became extremely impressed with his passion and commitment to this volunteer effort. Over the intervening years, under Fred’s leadership, this group has been the recipient of additional project grants from our Foundation and we have always been pleased with the conservation results. In addition to the project grants, Fred has been very supportive of our Foundation in several areas. He was instrumental in helping the Foundation gain a five-year commitment of funding for PEI rovers from the PEI Liquor Control Commission. In addition, he advocated support for the Foundation to PEI Members of Parliament. Fred is highly respected in those circles so his endorsement carries considerable weight! I cannot think of a more worthy recipient of this prestigious award. I appreciate the opportunity to lend my support to Fred Cheverie’s nomination for the Roland Michener Conservation Award. Yours very truly,
Stephen Chase Executive Director
January 25, 2021
The Roland Michener Conservation In Action Award
Mr. Fred Cheverie
To whom it may concern:
I have known the potential recipient going on 45 years now and in that time I have grown to respect Fred first as a teacher, then as a coworker, and always as a community minded person.
Fred was my Grade Six teacher and was responsible for teaching myself and hundreds of students of Souris Consolidated School the importance of nature /environment and the role we can play to make our environment better. Fred always thinks outside the box. It was while he was volunteering his many hours after school teaching numerous students how to cross country ski, orienteering, leaf/weed identification that he would stop and show us beautiful streams, ponds and ecosystems that we didn't even know existed in our small community.
Fred, along with fellow teacher, Kevin MacAdam, were two pioneers of raising fish in the schools back in the mid seventies. Again, later on in my own teaching career, Fred helped me get started with “ The Fish Friends “ program which our school continues to be involved with to date.
While Fred was director of the Souris Wildlife Federation, I have accessed his knowledge as a resource for my own teaching career. He always found the importance of keeping the school- aged children involved with learning about nature. During one particular winter, my resource students constructed over 500 swallow boxes that were distributed throughout the community to help control mosquito and black fly problems. Fred was the founder of the annual Souris Beach Clean Up that has been ongoing for the last 40 years!
Fred is a fantastic community volunteer and has been his entire life. He is spoken of very highly by all that know him. He continues to offer his time to volunteer to not only help our community but also our Island.
When asked to make a few comments about Fred and what he has done for conservation and his community it is very difficult to pinpoint one outstanding project. Fred has always been a mentor for my teaching career and one can only hope they will leave such a positive footprint on their community like Fred continues to do.
Sincerely,
Graham Townshend January 26th, 2021
RE: Fred Cheverie (Dad)| Nomination for the CWF Roland Michener Award
To the CWF committee reviewing nominations,
It started early in his life; he was an environmental steward before many knew exactly what that is. We had a front-row seat to so many of his initiatives and brought into them when possible. We benefited from Dad’s love of the outdoors at an early age.
The North American bird book was a staple on our kitchen table. Inevitably at 5:02 most evenings, a phone call would come in from someone, somewhere describing the bird they saw earlier that day. Dad would start flipping pages while asking questions, eventually identifying the mystery bird, and everyone was happy. As years passed, we became a team, and identification became easier – we all had a good handle on wildlife in our area. We would figure it out together, Dad staying quiet, seeing if we could work our way towards the answer. This is what he does. He educates, and through that education, he empowers those around him to become a part of his ‘team’ who will work together to protect local wildlife and their habitats. The byproduct of all those team efforts over 40+ years is seeing how the greater community finds such joy in that natural world.
Driving into his hometown of Souris, you will see two eagle perches from the causeway and cars pulled over to sit and watch the eagles as they scan the waters below. He built and installed those with his watershed and wildlife teams. He identifies that making wildlife prominent in people’s daily lives builds an appreciation of the natural world and instills in us a desire to protect it.
Dad’s charismatic personality complimented by his exceptional knowledge has proven to be an extraordinary pairing. Politicians, research scientists, farmers, fishers, and community members of all ages trust him, they respect him, and want to be a part of what he is doing. He has changed mindsets and behaviors with respect to the environment in Prince Edward Island. From those early years teaching the “Ecology” classes he personally developed and administered, his legacy will undoubtedly be found in the individuals, organizations, and communities he has worked with across Prince Edward Island.
We may be biased, but after reading about Roland Michener, we can’t think of another who emulates what Mr. Michener embodied. We may not have mountains for Dad to climb at 80, but we know he will be walking streams, fields, beaches, and forest trails for many years to come. On those walks, he will continue his education process with his nine grandchildren, and we couldn’t be any more proud and full of gratitude for that.
Thank you for your consideration,
The Cheverie family
Town of Souris 75 Main Street PO Box 628 Souris, Prince Edward Island Canada C0A 2B0 Email - [email protected]
January 28, 2021
To: Canadian Wildlife Federation
RE: Letter of Support for Nomination of Fred Cheverie for the Roland Michener Conservation Award
On behalf of the Town of Souris I would like to extend our strong support to the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation for their nomination of Mr. Fred Cheverie for the Roland Michener Conservation Award.
Fred is an active and vibrant part of our community. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to conservation in our community through effective and responsible activities that promote, enhance and further the conservation of our natural resources. When someone in our community thinks of environmental conservation or wildlife conservation, they cannot help but think of Fred. During his career as schoolteacher, and as part of the local watershed group and wildlife federation, Fred has always been a strong advocate for protecting our environment.
We wholeheartedly support the nomination of Mr. Fred Cheverie for this prestigious award.
Respectfully,
Shelley LaVie Chief Administrative Officer Town of Souris
Tel/Tél: 902-687-2157 www.sourispei.com Fax/Téléc: 902-687-4426 Email Messages Received
Dale Cameron, Trout Unlimited – Prince County Chapter
I first met Fred in 2007 at a meeting to generate interest in forming a unified body of watershed groups on PEI. The eventuality of which was the formation of the PEI Watershed Alliance in 2010 for which Fred deserves due credit. Since that time I have had the pleasure of sitting in several boards and committees with him. Whether it was the WCF or the WA Fred was there. Along with myself and the late Jim Jenkins, Fred help draft the funding formula used by government to award the WMF allocations to watershed groups across the Island. There has been no stronger advocate for watershed groups and the island environment as a whole than Fred Cheverie. His direct and outspoken approach is one I respect greatly. I could always count on the fact that when Fred was in the room, I wasn’t going to be labeled the only hard ass there.
Bruce Smith, PEI Wildlife Federation
Fred Cheverie – long term commitment As a result of the acceptance of the Provincial Conservation Strategy by the provincial government of PEI in1988, and the approval for funding under the Island Conservation Assistance Program, the Souris Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation was one of only 5 groups that began work to enhance streams on PEI. Fred and his cousin Steve Cheverie were active participants and organizers of the enhancement initiative.
Fred Cheverie – Educator Fred was a respected elementary teacher in Kings county for decades. His commitment to including environmental activities as part of the curriculum was well known. Each year, through the support of the PEIWF and Canadian WF, his students were encouraged to create a wildlife related poster. The winners of the PEIWF contest were forwarded to the the CFW national contest, with some winning prizes E
Fred Cheverie –the mediator Between 1993 and 1996 there was considerable funding under a Federal-Provincial joint agreement, known as Watershed Enhancement-Recreational Fisheries Development Program. In addition to funding watershed enhancement initiatives this program provided funding to allow support for an initiative to produce trout and salmon for stocking. At the end of the agreement the University of PEI assumed ownership of the hatchery to use it as a research facility. After 2 years the university decided to cease operations at the Cardigan Hatchery and it was sold to a private aquaculture company. If unique strains of trout and salmon were to be produced, the private company needed to be compensated, in the amount of about $100,000 per year. The Province indicated it would not take on this funding support. As well government indicated that there would be reductions in funding available under the Watershed Enhancement Program. Following meetings between groups and provincial officials, there was agreement that a new program would be initiated, the PEI Wildlife Conservation Fund(WCF), which would add a surcharge to all consumptive wildlife licenses, including hunting, fishing and trapping. A committee was established to provide the provincial Environment Minister with recommendations on how the money generated by the program, with the understanding that the first $100,000 generated would be used for fish rearing and stocking initiatives. Fred chaired this Committee and was instrumental in garnering support for a wildlife initiated tax , which went to government with the Minister having final control of the spending. A new tax is never a popular action with the public but with representation from hunters, anglers and trappers it was accepted . Fred and others helped overcome the resistance. With decreases in government support to Watershed Enhancement initiatives, the funding was also used to support these activities. With government approval the WCF gradually became more autonomous. Additional funding was secured through a voluntary surcharge on vehicle license plates which was initiated in 2014. The necessity for funding for the hatchery was reduced as the PEI Abegweit Biodiversity Enhancement Hatchery assumed responsibility for fish propagation, stocking and education. Fred served as the chair of the WCF committee for several terms. This program continues to serve as the core for watershed initiatives, augmented by supporting funding from many other sources.