As biologists, naturalists, and local communities realized the severe decline in the marmot population, the need for a rescue mission became apparent. As part that, the Marmot Recovery Foundation was founded in 1999 to lead on-the-ground work. Right from beginning, we recognized that we could not do this alone.

We are just one among a number of partners and stakeholders participating in the marmot’s recovery. Other partners include the Province of B.C., landowner Mosaic Forest Management, Mount Washington Alpine Resort, and the Recovery Team. The Toronto Zoo and Calgary Zoo play critical roles, hosting the captive breeding program and providing expertise in caring for wildlife in captivity.

Within this partnership, the Foundation supports the implementation of the recovery objectives as established by the Recovery Team and the Recovery Plan through the support of the field team, Mount Washington Tony Barrett Marmot Recovery Centre, research, public awareness, and fundraising programs. In effect, the Foundation delivers the on-the-ground work component as well as funding to support the marmot’s recovery.

Our Staff

From left to right:

• Adam Taylor, Executive Director
• Dr. Malcolm McAdie, DVM, Conservation Breeding Coordinator & Veterinarian
• Kevin Gourlay, RPBio, Field Coordinator
• Shayn McAskin, Crew Lead/Acting Field Coordinator
• Heather Heim, Wildlife Technician & Team Leader
• Geric Coutts, Wildlife Technician & Team Leader
• Aidan Carey, Wildlife Technician & Marmot Keeper
• Kestrel DeMarco, Wildlife Technician & Marmot Keeper
• Tyler Gill, Wildlife Technician
• Tawny Molland, Lead Marmot Keeper
• (Not Pictured) Kim Metz, Donor Relations & Office Coordinator

Board of Directors

• Sean Pendergast, Board and Recovery Team Chair
  Sean Pendergast is a Professional Biologist with the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship. Sean is the Foundation Chair and the Chair of the Recovery Team. Sean has been working on recovering the Vancouver Island marmots since the early 2000s.
• Stuart Prescott, Treasurer & Secretary
  Stuart Prescott is an independent CPA and business owner.
• Randal Lake, Director
  Randal Lake is the Head, Protected Areas with the Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment & Climate Change Canada.
• Sharon Hadway, Director
  Sharon Hadway is the Regional Executive Director of West Coast Operations for the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development.
• Dean Prentice, Director
  Dean Prentice is the (recently retired) General Manager of Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
• Matthew LeRoy, Director
  Matthew LeRoy is the Coast Area Executive Director, Land Use Planning and Cumulative Effects Division with the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship.
• Jimmie Hodgson, Director
  Jimmie Hodgson is the Vice-President Sustainability & Chief Forester of Mosaic Forest Management.
• Jocelin Teron, Director
  Jocelin Teron is a Professor of Forestry at Vancouver Island University.