The Boundary Invasive Species Society trekked out in the rain last Thursday, May 19 for a field tour of invasive species in the West Boundary, before coming inside and drying off for the group’s annual general meeting. The board discussed potential replacement board candidates for a member who is leaving the board.
The board reappointed Bill Baird, Lisa Tedesco and Alan Stanley to the board upon completion of their two-year terms. Toni Long, vice-chair of the board, is resigning with one year left on her term due to her impending move to Keremeos. The board moved to find a replacement who will represent agriculture and ranching interests; however, Long will remain on the board until a replacement is found and appointed.
The meeting saw the presentation of the group’s financial statements, with coordinator Barb Stewart presenting a net surplus of $2,821 in 2016 and $4,013 for 2015.
The group has continued to receive funding from the regional district areas C, D and E as well as FortisBC, BC Hydro and the Grand Forks ATV Club for projects and work completed. The group also received $5,512 in funding from the Canada Summer Jobs program for the hiring of a summer assistant.
Baird, chair of the Invasive Species Society, presented the chair’s report. He highlighted this year’s focus on terrestrial invasive plants and the hiring of a new summer assistant, Josie Barker, through the Canada Summer Jobs program.
Stewart said projects for the upcoming year also include developing a digital invasive species guide as well as getting the website, boundaryinvasive.com, up and running.