Mathijs Deerenberg

2025 Board of Directors Election

BCWF Board of Directors

Are you looking for an opportunity to make an impact on the future of hunting, fishing, shooting disciplines and conservation for generations to come? 

We are looking for dedicated, motivated, enthusiastic individuals looking to join our team. 

We are British Columbia’s leading conservation organization, made up of province-wide volunteers who aim to protect, enhance, and promote the wise use of our environment for the benefit of present and future generations. We advocate for anglers, hunters, outdoor recreationists, firearms owners, and recreational shooters. The B.C. Wildlife Federation strives to ensure the sound long-term management of B.C.’s fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreational resources in the best interests of all British Columbians.

Our AGM will be held on April 24, 25, &26, 2025 in Dawson Creek, B.C., at which time we will be holding our elections for the BCWF Board of Directors.

Please review the following information and fill in the included form with your information. Once complete, please submit to the designated BCWF personnel. 

B.C. Wildlife Federation – Board Composition

The BCWF Board of Directors is comprised of:

Executive Committee – President, 2 Vice Presidents, Past-President, and Treasurer.

Board of Directors – 10 Regional Presidents, and 8 Directors

2025 Nominees

We have the following positions to be filled:

One-year term (2025 – 2026)

  • President (to be elected as President you must have served a minimum of two years on the board as per the constitution)
  • Two Vice Presidents
  • Treasurer

Two-year term (2025 – 2027)

  • Four Directors

We have the following expectations of our Board of Directors.

  • Required to attend regularly scheduled board meetings and Annual General Meeting,
  • be an active team member on BCWF committees,
  • take an active role in the vision, mission, and goals of the BCWF,
  • be available to meet with provincial and federal elected officials, stakeholders, fish and wildlife, and firearms representatives when requested to do so,
  • and adhere to the bylaws of the B.C. Wildlife Federation

After having taken the above into account, if you would like to become a member of the Board of Directors, you require a B.C. Wildlife Federation member to nominate you. You can also nominate someone else for a position with the BCWF Board of Directors. 

  • Nominator: for the individuals you wish to nominate, ensure that you have confirmed that they wish to become a candidate and that you have verified the positions they are willing to stand for.

A current B.C. Wildlife Federation member can nominate you in 2 ways:

1. Online Form: In order to be nominated the online form below must be filled in as accurately as possible. Note the deadline for online form applications is March 18, 2025.

OR

2. Nominations will be taken from the floor during the Annual General Meeting Nomination sessions.

2025 Nominees

Online nominations are now closed. Additional nominations will be taken from the floor during the Annual General Meeting Nomination sessions.

Darlene Clark​ - Nominated as VICE-PRESIDENT​

Darlene Clark was a city girl introduced to what the outdoors has to offer by her husband who was an avid outdoorsman, she is now an experience hunter and trapper, who enjoys fishing and all aspects of the outdoors.

She has several decades of experience with the BCWF and values the opportunity to be a voice for the hunters and anglers to ensure that future generations can enjoy the opportunity to hung and fish.

Presently, Darlene gives back to fish and wildlife by her involvement in organizations supporting hunting, fishing and trapping as a Director with the BC Trappers Association, President of the Vancouver Island Trappers Association as well sits on the Vancouver Island Regional Wildlife Advisory Committee, and is the Wildlife Chair and is one of the Access Chairs for BCWF Region One.

She has been involved in and supported the BCWF in many ways over the years as a Regional President, Becoming an Outdoor Woman Coordinator, an elected BCWF Director and is currently a BCWF Vice President and the CORE Committee Chair.

She feels she has lots more to offer and would appreciate your support to continue on the BCWF Executive/Board of Directors.

Alli Deelstra​ - Nominated as TREASURER​

Alli was born and raised in Victoria on Vancouver Island, where she developed a deep passion for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and brings over six years of experience in accounting, management, and communication. Eager to merge her professional expertise with her love for the outdoors, she is committed to becoming more involved in our conservation community.

Having served as Treasurer over the past year, Alli is pleased to put her name forward for consideration once again. She previously held the Treasurer position with the Island Rangers Society and recently joined the BCCF as a Director. As both a hunter and angler, she strongly believes in the Federation’s mission and has deepened her understanding of outdoor-focused organizations.

This past year has been a valuable learning experience, and she now feels even more confident in her role. Alli looks forward to the opportunity to continue contributing as Treasurer and appreciates your support.

David Oliver​ - Nominated as DIRECTOR​

Currently, I serve as a BCWF Director, Access chair, Fishing Forever chair, and the designated representative for the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC. In addition, I am on the ORC reconciliation committee.

In 2022 I helped establish the BCWF Fishing Forever committee and developed the Terms of Reference. I also have worked with BCWF staff members in writing grant applications for Fishing Forever funding. As well I worked with BCWF staff members to develop the Fishing Forever manual.

I have been working to expand the Fishing Forever program. In 2023 the Campbell River Fish & Wildlife Association hosted it’s first event. In 2024 Lake Windermere & District Rod & Gun Club hosted their very first ice fishing event. I am looking forward to the Vanderhoof Fish & Game Club and Endako Rod & Gun Club working together to reestablishing the event in Vanderhoof. Also, I am establishing an event in the Cranbrook area.

I am a member of the Lake Windermere & District Rod & Gun Club, a life member with Ridgedale Rod and Gun Club. I am the East Kootenay Wildlife Association (Region 4E) representative for the Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resources Society to which I currently serving as the Chairperson.

My previous accomplishments include assisting to establish the Off-Road Vehicles Act. I was part of the Off-Road Vehicle Joint Advisory Group (ORV JAG) representing the BCWF. I was also the BCWF designated representative for the Provincial Trails Advisory board (PTAB). I am the previous Treasure for the East Kootenay Wildlife Association (Region 4E). Additionally, I have assisted Neil Fletcher with wetlands projects, helped coordinated Kidz Go Wild Camps with Chris Lim and promote the National Archery in Schools program (NASP). Furthermore, in 2017 I received an award from the BCWF President for outstanding volunteer achievement.

Rob Chipman - Nominated as DIRECTOR​

Like many BCWF members I have been a hunter, angler, and outdoor enthusiast for decades. We’ve witnessed many changes—some good, but many concerning. Like others in our community, I worry about the outdoor environment we are leaving for future generations.

I still remember my first sighting of red and green sockeye from a canoe with my dad on the Blackwater River in 1967. That experience led to a lifelong passion for moose hunting, fly fishing, and unforgettable fly-in and horse-pack hunts. I’ve been fortunate to introduce others to this way of life, but I fear that future generations may not have the same opportunities.​​

That concern for future generations is why I began volunteering for the BCWF—and why I want to continue serving as a director.​​

Before retiring, I ran construction and real estate businesses in Canada and the U.S., and acquired many  skills along the way.  As a current BCWF director, I have chaired the Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee, while also serving on the Governance Committee and previously on the Finance Committee. I am committed to making BCWF as effective as possible in achieving our goals: abundant fish, wildlife, and habitat, along with continued access for all British Columbians.​​

A strong and focused BCWF is essential to achieving these goals. I believe my business and leadership experience, combined with my deep commitment to conservation, will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to the organization.  We made some important changes the last few years but we still have much work to do.  I ask for your support to get that work completed.

Any Questions?

For questions or to submit a nomination form, please contact Janelle Robertson, Executive Assistant.