Supporting my community as a volunteer, coach, committee lead, director or board chair has been a big part of my life for many decades, during and after raising a family. Challenging at times, but also very rewarding when looking back at the number of initiatives that have been started and achieved in sports, conservation and ecosystem restoration.  Being part of a network of like-minded colleagues that have come together, many who are also volunteering their time to find a solution to community needs in the areas of conservation and ecosystem restoration. 

While most of my volunteer time is currently spent on Nulki-Tachick Lakes Stewardship Society initiatives, I also spend time with Nechako Watershed Roundtable Core Committee and participate on Get Involved Nechako - Water Engagement Initiative.

Stewardship of the land, air and water is everyone's responsibility. Please consider this when working around wetlands, riparian areas, streams, rivers, lakes and oceans. Nulki and Tachick Lakes are precious lakes located in a great area that needs some TLC. Please help us return both lakes ecosystem back to good health and improved opportunities for great fishing and recreation. 

Click on our entire ntlss.ca icons, to learn more about our society and seriously think about joining, volunteering or donating  for a great initiative.  

I’ve lived in Vanderhoof most of my life and grew up on Nulki Lake. My parents are still out there, and it’s a place I spend a lot of time with my wife and kids.

I’m a Registered Professional Biologist and Professional Agrologist, and a partner at Clean Nature Environmental Services. A big motivation for being involved with NTLSS is wanting to see real improvements in water quality, so my kids can grow up enjoying these lakes the same way I have.

Wayne Koftinoff is a retired business owner with a strong background in financial management and community service. A resident of Nulki Lake since 2014.  He currently holds the position of Treasurer for NTLSS and has previously served in the same capacity for the Vanderhoof Fish & Game Club, where he utilized his financial expertise to further environmental conservation initiatives.

Stephen Déry joined the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) on Lheidli T’enneh territory in 2005 as a faculty member and as a Canada Research Chair. He is now a full professor in UNBC’s Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences where he leads the Northern Hydrometeorology Group and holds the Rio Tinto  Research Chair in climate change and water security focusing on the Nechako Watershed. Dr. Déry is also a founding and active member of UNBC’s Integrated Watershed Research Group (IWRG) that brings a holistic approach to integrated research on the vast and complex Nechako Watershed. In collaboration with a wide range of partners including the NTLSS and the IWRG, his team investigates the consequences of climate change and water management on the long-term water security of the Nechako Watershed and other basins. A major aspect of this research is to better monitor, understand and project climate conditions, water temperatures and streamflows both in pristine and regulated waterways of the Nechako Watershed.

I was born and raised in the Nechako Valley, a place I proudly call home. Alongside my wife, Juanita and two sons, we have strong family values rooted in hard work, agriculture, animal husbandry and community connection. We own and operate Silver Birch Quarter Horses. When not working with the horses, I am usually outdoors enjoying hunting and fishing activities I share with my boys. 

I am deeply committed to giving back and heavily involved in youth leadership and development. I serve as Vice-President of the Vanderhoof District 4-H Council and President of the Yellowhead West Regional 4-H Council, roles that allow me to support, mentor and advocate for young people across the region. I have a passion for youth engagement and I am driven by the belief that strongly supported youth are the foundation of a healthy community.

This same passion will serve well to enhance NTLSS efforts to encourage and develop better stewards of the land, water and air for future generations to preserve, protect and restore our lakes, streams and rivers. 

With over 40 years experience in nursing and education in acute psychiatric care, mental health and addiction services, Donna also has over 25 years experience as a senior government program manager.   

Donna was a member of strategic planning tables at provincial, national and international levels, representing BC on the national working group developing best practice guidelines for mental health treatment and later for substance use and problem gambling. 

She was lead tutor for International Mental Health Legislation and Policy teaching in an online MSc program at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK for 7 years. 

Donna volunteered on several local non-profit agency boards and was the board chair of the Vanderhoof Public library for over 9 years. She is passionate about the environment and through NTLSS, hopes to make a difference in the water quality and wildlife habitat of Nulki and Tachick Lakes.

Corinne Koftinoff is a retired business owner and a resident of Nulki Lake since 2014. She has been actively involved since the inception of the Nulki-Tachick Lake Stewardship Society. Corinne is a dedicated volunteer committed to improving water quality in both Nulki and Tachick Lakes. She has a profound passion for community engagement and environmental stewardship.

Richard Nicholson is a retired Royal Canadian Navy veteran and Master Electrician with extensive experience in environmental monitoring. His work with BCLSS has strengthened efforts to track and improve water quality in the region.