Local Conservation Officer Patricia Burley has been recognised for her role in backcountry education by the Regional District of East Kootenay.

Burley was presented with a limited-edition print by local artist, Sam Millard, for her ‘extraordinary dedication and service’ as the face of the RDEK’s Access Guardian Program, which is a yearly program that sees Burley work to improve education, public relations and enforcement within the RDEK’s Area A, which encompasses the entire Elk Valley.

The program was established in 2009 as a pilot program. Burley has been the face of the program for over ten years as a full-time representative.

In presenting Burley with the print of a moose, Area A Director Mike Sosnowski noted that the moose symbolizes strength, solidarity and togetherness – “all traits that Officer Burley brings to the Program and that have contributed to its success,” reads the RDEK release.

READ MORE: Access Guardian Program here to stay

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