This year has been a transition and demanding year for the Central Okanagan Land Trust (COLT). By adopting a new name in 2007, a host of other necessary actions were triggered. Foremost among these were the adoption of amended Bylaws, which required holding the original and significant values incorporated in 1991, while removing the obligation of the Central Okanagan Foundation to appoint Board members. This latter need was recognized by the Foundation as being redundant and they no longer wanted this responsibility. Despite this we retain a close, cooperative and working relationship with the Foundation and its staff. The review of the Bylaws provided an opportunity to “fine-tune” some, making minor amendments. One major addition was a provision to permit COLT to have members in addition to the Board of Directors. A policy for these additional members is expected to be in place in 2009. This work was smoothly accomplished with a great deal of help from our solicitor, Stan Rule. For this and his many other significant contributions to the COLT in the past decade, which we consider went well beyond what was required, the Trust recognized him by presenting him with a suitably inscribed painting by artist Terry Lewis.
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COLT
president Hugh Westheuser presenting Stan Rule with Painting.
Climate change, as it relates to the role of the Land Trust has also been recognized. The retention of land in its natural state can absorb and retain significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. As strategies are adopted by many companies and organizations to offset their carbon footprint by investing in carbon offsets; one strategy is to investment in land. A Land Trust, being outside governments is ideally suited to hold land in perpetuity for this strategy at the same time providing space for recreational purposes or as sensitive wildlife habitat.
The carbon offset strategy is also one in which individuals can participate. This past July when Premier Campbell distributed $100 to each adult in the province, to offset a Carbon Tax on gasoline, many COLT board members and friends of COLT donated their funds to the Trust. COLT, as a charitable organization is obligated to spend these funds on land acquisitions. We are currently examining all possibilities.
Choices Market on Harvey Avenue in Kelowna is an example of a company that wished to contribute to an environmental organization. They hosted a barbeque at their store on Earth Day, the proceeds of which were donated to COLT. We very much appreciate being able to participate in these type of events, and hope to leverage these funds when purchasing land in the Central Okanagan valley.
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Manager
and Assist. Manager of Choices Market presenting cheque to President of COLT
A new logo was adopted by COLT, having been the brain-child of Kathie Jones, wife of Board member Barry. An inverted “S” swirl with a green top and blue bottom stylizes the hills and lake in the central Okanagan Valley. It is now being applied to stationery and other documents. A new display board has been developed, and is structured in such a way that it will challenge people to interact with us. This is a big improvement and my thanks to Board member Barry Jones who has spent many hours developing it.
COLT undertook to plant approximately 28000 trees this spring on land controlled by the Trust in the south slopes area of Kelowna. This land had been totally destroyed by the 2003 forest fire with little hope of natural regeneration for many decades. With the cooperation and help of the Central Okanagan Regional District Parks Branch and with funds donated by Trees Canada these seedlings were planted, using only minimal funding from COLT.
It gives me great pleasure in reporting our long-time serving board member Frank Williams, was awarded the “Conservation Volunteer Award for 2007” from the Land Trust Alliance of British Columbia. Frank was recognized for his many years of conservation efforts as a member of both the Rotary Club of Kelowna, and the Central Okanagan Land Trust. In addition to receiving a suitable plaque, Frank was given sufficient funds for an evening out with his family. Congratulations Frank.
The Central Okanagan Land Trust has partnered with the Biology Department of Okanagan College when there is a need to biologically assess land, and/or inspect property in which COLT has an interest. The numbers of inspections needed by COLT each year is growing. As part of its courses at the College level, students receive instruction, on the local flora and fauna in the valley, and also on practical applications as to how that knowledge can be employed. These inspections under the guidance and supervision of a Professor provide students with valuable practical experience. If COLT requires a report, it can be signed off by the Professor who takes responsibility for the assessment or inspection. These scenarios have been tested this year, and some legal concerns have been addressed. I expect this arrangement will be used in future years. The instructors are provided with a teaching platform; the students’ are provided with practical experience; and there is no inspection costs to COLT. It benefits all.
The COLT has a number of ongoing discussions with several property owners in the valley. Currently there are three such discussions underway. One property owner would like to donate land to the Trust; another owner would like to place a conservation covenant on his property; and a third is looking at a combination of donating and/or having COLT purchase some of his property. These are lengthy and time consuming discussions which need to be thoroughly understood by all parties, with full professional advice before any action is taken.
Along with B.C. Ministry of Environment; City of Kelowna; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Friends of Mission Creek; Okanagan Nation Alliance; Regional District of Central Okanagan and Westbank First Nation; COLT has been invited to participate in a “working group to assist with the implementation of Mission Creek restoration projects.” Board members Larry Foster and Don Knox represent COLT at these meetings. A number of meetings have been held in 2008, and long-range planning is now being carried out. We expect to hear a lot more from this Group as they progress.
The Land Trust Alliance of British Columbia (LTABC) was formed 10 years ago, to provide a support organization for local Land Trusts in the Province. Two years ago I was invited to sit on the Board of Directors of LTABC which presently supports 31 local Land Trust and 1 Province wide Land Trust. It has 1 full time employee, 2 part-time employees and several contracted people who do research; lobby Provincial Government Ministers, and other special projects while providing advice and support to the local Land Trusts. As the Land Trust movement is a fairly recent phenomenon, many issues and practices are still evolving for local Trusts and we look to LTABC for advice and direction. Some issues require Provincial (or Federal) Government legislative action. LTABC takes on these tasks on behalf of all Land Trusts. I consider it an honour to sit on this Board and view first hand many of the issues and procedures evolving throughout the Province.
COLT is pleased to welcome retired physician, Kurt Zander to its Board of Directors. He worked for many years in Westbank as a family doctor. With an interest in natural history and the environment, he is anxious to contribute time and energy to COLT. He knows the area well.
Respectfully submitted
Hugh Westheuser