Bill Botti, a retired 32-year employee with the Department of Natural Resources, was honored by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs as Forestry Conservationist of the Year at its recent annual convention. Howard and Janet Chilson, campground hosts at Lime Island State Forest Campground, one of the most remote camping experiences in Michigan, were honored as the 2009 MUCC Unsung Heroes.

Botti, who began his career with the then-Department of Conservation in 1965, currently serves as the executive director of the Michigan Forest Association, whose mission is to promote sustainable forestry in Michigan.

"For years, Bill Botti provided key leadership on forest management issues in our state," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "It is gratifying to see him honored for his dedication to this field, and to see his continued service with the Michigan Forest Association."

His interest in the outdoors started at an early age - by age 15 he had been appointed as the nature director of a Boy Scout camp in his native New Jersey. He was a seasonal park ranger during his college years when he pursued forestry degrees from Paul Smith's College in New York and Michigan Technological University. He started with the DNR in 1965, and worked in forestry positions in Marquette County, the Tahquamenon River State Forest and in the northwest Lower Peninsula, concluding his career with a 21-year stint in Lansing directing the DNR's timber management activities for state forests as the state's principal silviculturalist.

Upon his retirement from the DNR in 1997, Botti worked in private forestry consulting, while managing his own Christmas tree farm in Eaton Rapids.

Botti has authored, co-authored and/or illustrated numerous books and articles about forestry, including "Michigan's State Forests: A Century of Stewardship." He also wrote and illustrated, "Green Gold: Michigan Forest History," which is used in classrooms throughout Michigan to explain the history and heritage of the state forests. Botti continues to lecture on the subject of forestry for schools, universities and various programs and organizations in Michigan. He was recently elected vice-chair of the State Forest Advisory Committee.

Lime Island State Forest Campground lies in the middle of the St. Marys River, three miles from the Michigan mainland. The Chilsons arrive on the island every May on their own boat and ready the various rental units, residence, historical buildings and camping platforms, and clear debris from the winter from the island's network of hiking trails.

"Howard and Janet Chilson run a very self-sufficient operation on Lime Island, doing everything from carpentry to painting to housekeeping," Humphries said. "They help the DNR offer a unique camping experience, with many repeat customers who are always glad to hear the Chilsons are back on the island taking care of things."

Howard Chilson's background as an electrician has provided a valuable skill, as the cabins are lit by solar power and the photovoltaic converter is located in the host cabin. The Chilsons are always available to all visitors to the island, whether they are campers or simply stopping by on a day trip. They have also assisted on emergency rescues of recreational boaters, often bringing them to the island, contacting the U.S. Coast Guard and then transporting them to the mainland.

During the off-season, the Chilsons are always on the lookout for information and items from the era when Lime Island was a booming resort and, later, a freighter refueling station. At their own expense, they have purchased items to add to the museum located on the island, and have also received many items as donations.