On June 19, at its Annual General Meeting, the CBHC was pleased to open a new exhibit at its museum in Sault Ste Marie. It’s entitled, Not a Job but a Calling: Rangers, Game Wardens and the Ontario Forest Ranger School, was introduced and officially opened by CBHC Jamie Hilsinger Executive Director. Katie Dalton, Regional Enforcement Manager MNR, noted that the Ministry of Natural Resources has a long history of protecting Ontario’s Natural Resources spoke about how the exhibit brings this long story of conservation to life. Don Weltz, represneted Retired Conservation Officers of Ontario. Will Samis who was both a Forest Ranger and a Conservation Officer, and Jim Baker who is also a graduate of the Ranger School spoke on behalf of Ranger School Alumni.
Each display tells the story of the vital contribution of Game Wardens (Conservation Officers) and Forest Rangers in protecting and managing Ontario’s Natural Resources. Their efforts, often from the right seat of many of the aircraft in the museum’s collection, and the important contribution of the Ontario Forest Ranger School (1952-1967), in training students for these positions, are presented impressively in five four-sided kiosks. They offer written material, numerous photographs and many other interesting memorabilia items recalling the early history and development of this essential work in Ontario.
The exhibit was developed with the able leadership of CBHC’s curator Mary Collier and members of the Ontario Conservations Officers Association (and retired members) and The Ontario Forest Ranger School Alumni. In the project’s early planning days Forest History Ontario was also supportive of the emerging discussions and worked with the parties to assist where possible.
Several retired Conservation Officers and Forest Rangers took the time to attend and visit with former colleagues. All were impressed with the exhibit and happy that the material was assembled and now telling their story. The display will be on view at the Museum through 2025 and available afterwards for loan to other museums across the Province.
