On January 24th, 1997, a very tragic event happened within the Department of Environment and Resource Management. While conducting a Whitetail deer survey near Marsden, Saskatchewan, a single engine Cessna plane crashed and killed pilot Breton Thomas, Wildlife Biologist Wally Kost and Conservation Officer Kevin Misfeldt.
The annual Wally Kost Memorial Whitetail Deer Award was established to honour Wally and his outstanding work. This award is open to all department staff.