BEC bestows eco-honors

The Butte Environmental Council celebrated its 38th anniversary this year by throwing a gala fundraiser on Oct. 19 at the Arc Pavilion, featuring an awards ceremony honoring four prominent local environmentalists.

Octogenarian Wes Dempsey, a retired Chico State professor of biology and one of the original members of BEC’s board of directors, was honored with the inaugural Michael McGinnis Lifetime Achievement Award, according to a BEC press release. Dave Garcia, a local anti-fracking activist and retired California State Park ranger, received the Colleen Jarvis Environmentalist of the Year Award, and the Barris Farms Service Award was given to Susan and Stephen Tchudi, co-hosts of Ecotopia, a weekly eco-focused show on KZFR 90.1 FM.

“I am continually amazed that so many people have been engaged in such good work for the betterment of our community,” said Mark Stemen, chairman of the BEC board.