Awards

Dylan and Colleen Biggs received the Marth Kostuch Wilderness Defenders Award from the Alberta Wilderness Association for their lifelong commitment to the conservation of the endangered Northern Fescue Grasslands of east-central Alberta and the threatened and endangered species that live there.

Martha Kostuch was an unwavering advocate for Alberta’s wild spaces. She was feisty, intelligent and steadfast in defending wilderness from industry and the political maneuvering of the Alberta government, especially during the Oldman River controversy of the late 1980s.

Dylan and Colleen Biggs were two of the recipients of Awards of Distinction at the Livestock Care Conference hosted by Alberta Farm Animal Care

The Hanna-area ranchers were recognized for their long-term commitment to animal welfare and sustainably produced food, which has served as a model approach inspiring the progress of many others. This has included hosting clinics on low-stress livestock handling, promoting a range of additional best practices, and always taking time to help others improve.

Colleen Biggs was a recipient of the Global Woman of Vision Award. The program celebrates local women who demonstrate a strong vision. Their commitment and leadership enrich our lives and make our communities a better place in which to live. Their stories show the rewards of overcoming adversity and following through on a vision.

TK Ranch was nominated for and received the National Prairie Conservation Award at the 9th Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference in Winnipeg, MB. They received the award based on the following criteria:

1. Relationship of achievements to the conservation or understanding of native habitat or endangered species within the Prairies Ecozone;
2. Demonstration of exceptional commitment or innovation (above and beyond normal livelihood expectations);
3. Demonstration of enduring commitment;
4. Significance of the accomplishment in terms of results;
5. Extent to which granting of an award to this nominee will help native habitat conservation and endangered species efforts within the Prairies Ecozone.

TK Ranch received Wildlife Habitat Canada’s National Countryside Canada Award for their commitment to sustainable ranching. "Through their innovation, determination and a deep commitment to stewardship, Dylan and Colleen Biggs have established themselves as leaders in operating a successful ranching enterprise while caring for this fragile ecosystem." A picture from the awards ceremony is seen above — Dylan and Colleen are at the left of the photo.

TK Ranch was selected to represent Alberta’s farm and ranch families at the prestigious Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC. Dylan, Colleen and their four daughters were flown to Washington for two weeks where they met with the public and discussed their ranching philosophy. Dylan also demonstrated his Low Stress Livestock Handling methods in a corral set-up on the National Mall about 750 metres from the Capitol Building. It was an honour to represent Alberta and this was a very memorable event.

TK Ranch was nominated for an Emerald Award for their commitment to the environment and sustainable agriculture

Both Dylan and Colleen received the Growing Alberta Environmental Stewardship Award for their leadership and commitment to the food system and environmental sustainability.

Dylan and Colleen received the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Farmer of the Year Award. This was in response to their strong position on farm animal welfare and Dylan’s leadership in the field of low stress livestock handling.

Colleen was nominated for the Coronation Citizen of the Year award. She and Dylan fought to prevent Edmonton from transporting all of its municipal solid waste to a landfill close to Coronation. Colleen published a weekly article in the local paper advocating sustainable waste management for several months during the public hearing process. She was recognized for her leadership and commitment to the community.

Colleen received the Heidi Schaefer Wilderness Preservation Award from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society which recognized her hard work and commitment to conserving Alberta’s parks and wilderness areas. In 1987 she received the Volunteer of the Year Award from CPAWS for her work and involvement in several key conservation initiatives including the Save South Moresby Campaign to establish what is now Haida Gwaii National Park and the Oldman River Dam controversy.