Wildsight Presidents Report
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Submitted by rnelson on Mon, 26/03/2007 - 2:28pm.
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Posts: 782
Joined: 04-06-2006 |
PRESIDENT’S REPORT TO WILDSIGHT/ELK VALLEY BRANCH Please accept this as my report to the 2007 Annual General Meeting. Because we are so committed to our involvement with this organization, it appears that our load has been light and our accomplishments few but the Record shows that we have been both busy and productive. The first phase of the West Fernie Wetlands Project headed up by Lee-Anne Walker and her Wildsight Committee, West Fernie Residents,other volunteers and supported by the BC Wildlife Federation Wetland Education Program was completed. The Project - involved the assessment of jurisdictional issues, mapping, inventory and water assessment of the West Fernie Wetlands resulting in the completion of a full report being presented to Wildsight, the City of Ferine and the RDEK the immediate result of which has been the acquisition of the support of local residents,the City of Ferine and the RDEK and funds for the purchase of necessary survey work, material and possible clean up of the Wetlands. Wildsight/Elk Valley Branch contributed $1000 as well as major volunteer hours to this project which will now continue to Phase 2 and will result in a Wetland preservation and educational and interpretational site. The monitoring and promotion of environmental impact studies on Coal Bed Methane and open pit Coal Mine Development has continued in support of Wildsight Regional Office initiatives including: -participation in Flathead Tours We have monitored ,publicized and had input into Residential and Recreational Developments in the Elk Valley including: - Holding a public debate concerning the Belay Enterprises “ The Cedars “ Development. - Had input into the proposed Heaven’s Gate ski hill and village Development. - Started discussions hopefully leading to meetings with Glenstar Group to monitor their plans for the development of virtually the entire east side of the Elk Valley at Fernie. - Adopted the West Coast Environmental Law Society’s Smart Growth Policies as development policies we will support - Participated in Public Hearings arising from the completion of the Fernie Area Land Use Strategy Plan and promoting agricultural and environmental aspects. - We have continued and increased our involvement as an umbrella organization for several very active community and environmental groups . -Bear Aware/Bear Smart through Kathy Murray has increased its financial support both Provincially and Municipally and been able to have the City of Ferinie accept Animal Attractant By-laws in principal and Wildsight has aided in the development of those by-laws. -Eco-Garden, Advocates for Community Living, Rockie Mountain Education Series and Advocates For Community Living continue to carry on programs such as environmental education in schools and for the public, a coupon project supporting local business, Earth Day, etc. - We are involved in Pesticide Control in several ways. - Involvement on the Fernie Integrated Pest Management Task Force - We hosted Florian Schulz and his Y2Y Book Tour and Slide Presentation. - We organized Wildsight Educational Booths at Fernie Trade Show, Soap Box Derby and Fernie Alpine Resort Mogul Smoker and participated in the Fernie Friendship Days Parade. - Our involvement with the Special Appeal Night membership campaign was impressive. - We have increased communications with our membership through development of a Group e-mail system. - Our membership consists of 111 voting members and 24 non-voting members - Our thanks to Ang Bryans and David Thomas for their work on the Wild Times Articles. - I am sure that we all look forward to another active and productive year in a time and place where our work is vital so that the environment continue to be a prominent concern in this special place we live in. |
