WGCF Corporation: Board
Directors Profiles
Brent Buck - President
I have been a resident of Clearwater for over 65 years, having grown up in a logging bush camp where my father was a main supplier for Camp 2 sawmill and my mother was the cook for the crew. When I was entering Grade 1, our family moved to town so my siblings and I could attend school. ​
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My forestry career began at Camp 2 sawmill as a student labourer, then continued with roles as a contract faller for a local logger, and danger tree faller and crew boss for BC Forest Service crews. Mixed into this was a year at Fairview Agricultural College and a return to Clearwater to marry my high school sweetheart.
After two years farming and learning carpentry in Alberta, I returned to build homes locally. Later, I taught forestry and machine operation in the high school’s logging program, working in the Demonstration Forest which would eventually become part of the Community Forest. I continued to pursue my education, eventually earning my Bachelor of Education, specializing in Technology Education. For 36 years, I taught woodwork, auto, metal, drafting, and design before retiring. Now, I enjoy substitute teaching, working on personal projects, and spending time with my wonderful wife of 48 years, and our dog.
Sabine Cooperman - Vice President
Sabine brings a strong background in forestry to the Community Forest Board, with experience throughout the North Thompson Valley, consulting and working with Tolko Industries Ltd., primarily in silviculture. A Clearwater resident since 1994, Sabine is passionate about outdoor recreation and deeply committed to the long-term sustainability of the region’s forest industry. After a 23-year hiatus, Sabine returned to forestry by becoming a volunteer on the Board, continuing her dedication to responsible resource management.
Todd Dixon - Treasurer
I moved to East Blackpool in 2021 following retirement from corporate life based in Toronto. The past 4 years have been busy with my wife constructing our forever home. I am passionate about nature, fishing, hiking and want to do what I can in service of the long term sustainability of the Community Forest. I look forward to collaborating with the Board and bringing my expertise in Finance and Contract Risk Management along with my interests as a property owner within the Community Forest area.
After earning my Masters in Accounting from the University of Waterloo and obtaining my CPA, I began my career as a Financial Auditor, gaining experience across a range of industries from small businesses to public companies. Most of my career was at PricewaterhouseCoopers, first as a Finance Consultant specializing in organizational design and customer experience management, then as Chief of Staff for the Asia Pacific and Americas Assurance line, where I deepened my understanding of cultural influences. In my final three years, I served as Managing Director for Risk and Quality in Consulting, overseeing contractual risk reviews for high-risk projects nationwide.
Sylvain Menard - Secretary
Sylvain moved to Wells Gray Country in 1992 to pursue opportunities in silviculture contracting. When these opportunities declined in the early 2000s, he transitioned into teaching but remained active in wildland firefighting until 2022. Sylvain and his wife raised four children in Clearwater, where he was able to experience first-hand the benefits that the WGCF provides to the community. Now that their children are grown and he is semi-retired, he has decided to give back by joining the Board.
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With a background in sociology and education, Sylvain brings a broad perspective to forest management, emphasizing long-term community benefits over short-term gains. As a director, he is committed to continuing to support local organizations that make this community one of the best places to live, while also ensuring that the community forest remains a long-term asset—managed and controlled by the people who live here for generations to come.
Sam Phillips - Simpcw Representative
Sam began his professional journey in the early 1990s, working across both industry and government sectors. In 2002, he transitioned to serving First Nations communities, a commitment that has continued ever since. Over the years, Sam has held numerous leadership roles, managing Natural Resource Operations and Economic Development companies. His dedication to sustainable practices is reflected in his involvement on multiple Community Forest boards. In 2020, Sam founded Sand Jack Solutions Ltd., focusing primarily on stewardship initiatives for the Simpcw First Nation.
Andrew Lavigne - Director
Andrew Lavigne joined the WGCFC Board in April 2025, bringing with him decades of experience in forestry and a deep-rooted passion for the Forest. A resident of Clearwater, BC since 2016, Andrew relocated to the community to pursue employment opportunities and prepare for his future retirement.
With over 30 years of experience in British Columbia’s interior forest industry, Andrew has dedicated his career to understanding the dynamic relationship between land and forest. He has been a member of the Forest Professionals of BC for more than 20 years, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and sustainable forestry practices.
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Andrew’s enthusiasm for ecosystem stewardship and community drive his involvement with the Community Forest Board. He looks forward to contributing to this Community Forest which will provide lasting benefits for generations to come.
Bob Merta - Director
Bob joined the WGCFC Board in 2025 after moving to Clearwater in 2021 with his wife of 40 years. They enjoy the area’s outdoor activities and spending time with their three children and four grandchildren. A retired Professional Forester, Bob brings extensive experience in silviculture, harvesting, and managing road construction and deactivation. Passionate about continuous improvement, he aims to learn how the community forest operates and help streamline processes. Bob is deeply community-minded, serving as a minor hockey referee and contributing to the Clearwater Trails Committee. He looks forward to supporting the Community Forest Board and making a positive impact.
Kim Muddiman - Director
Kim’s journey in forestry began in 1994 when she arrived in the valley as a summer student with Weyerhaeuser. Her passion for sustainable resource management led her to a full-time role as a Registered Professional Forester (RPF), where she specialized in timber development.
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Seeking to explore another facet of the industry, Kim and her husband transitioned to timberframe construction, founding their own company to highlight the beauty and strength of local timber resources. This venture allowed them to combine craftsmanship with a deep respect for the region’s natural assets.
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Kim considers Clearwater not just a place to live, but a community to cherish. Her commitment to stewardship and sustainability is reflected in her role as a director of the Community Forest, where she continues to advocate for responsible forestry practices and local engagement.