On June 15th the RNA board approved the 2010/2011 Annual Report and financial audit. The board also reviewed, discussed and approved a new Communications Strategy prepared by RNA senior strategist, Phil Zacharatos. Board members will be participating in a communication workshop session (planned for fall 2011) to further develop and deliver the RNA brand, image and key messages.
2. Congratulations to Kathi Zimmerman, General Manager – on parental leave .jpg)
3. Save Our Sturgeon (SOS) Spring Spawning Celebration:
RNA supported the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative’s (NWSRI) fifth Save Our Sturgeon (SOS) event, which took place at Vanderhoof’s Riverside Park on May 29, 2011. This yea.jpg)
r’s theme focused on celebrating sturgeon spawning. The only recorded Nechako white sturgeon spawning grounds occur in the river surrounding the park, and sturgeon spawning in the reach normally takes place during the last week of May through the first week of June, when the water typically reaches the appropriate temperature.
The focus of the SOS Spring Spawning Celebration was to increase the public’s awareness regarding the decline of the  - edit.jpg)
e sturgeon population, habitat loss, and recovery activities in order to promote the stewardship of sturgeon throughout the watershed. The celebration was welcomed by Vanderhoof’s Mayor, Gerry Thiessen, and Saik’uz First Nation’s Chief, Jackie Thomas. Over 300 community members attended the event which was complemented by a beautiful, sunny day. The
rojects planned for this year. A 20 minute video played throughout the day featuring NWSRI’s Spawning Habitat Gravel Placement Research Project, and showcased sturgeon capture, tagging, and radio-tracking as well as interviews with research biologists. Participants were also treated to an interpretive walk around the sturgeon spawning grounds that finished at the bridge, where they looked for spawning sturgeon from key locations. Children could also enjoy face painting, sturgeon coloring sheets and a bouncy castle. The highlight of the celebration was the release of three male sturgeon back into the
If you would like to learn more about the Nechako white sturgeon and the NWSRI’s activities, please visit www.nechakowhitesturgeon.org.
Dave Leman, RNA’s Northern Climate Change Network Coordinator, was invited by the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) to deliver three evening talks on the topic “Reducing Our Carbon Footprint” in May in the communities of 100 Mile House, Williams Lake and Quesnel respectively. The talks were delivered as part of a speaker series sponsored by the CRD in recognition of the CRD’s status as “Forest Capital of Canada” for 2010-2011. Each of the three talks generated lively discussion between audience members and with Dave. The PowerPoint presentation that accompanied the talks is soon to be uploaded on the CRD’s website.
5. RNA attends Canadian Model Forest Network AGM in Saskatchewan
n informative and fun meeting to develop linkages with other model forests and to enhance the role of the Network. The Ibero-American International Model Forest Network representatives and delegates from Sweden, Chile, and Costa Rica also participated. Discussions included delivery of initiatives under the new CFMN committee structure, and how the Network can continue to support model forests across Canada.
The IMFN is a global community of practice whose members and supporters work toward a common goal: the sustainable management of forest-based landscapes through the Model Forest approach. The IMFN is comprised of more than 50 member Model Forests in existence or under development in 30 member countries across 5 continents, five Regional Network Secretariats, and the International Secretariat which is housed within Natural Resources Canada in Ottawa, Canada. Model Forests are based on a flexible framework for learning and doing that combines the social, cultural and economic needs of local communities with the long-term sustainability of large landscapes in which forests are an important feature. By design they are voluntary, broad-based initiatives, linking forestry, research, agriculture, mining, recreation and other interests within a given landscape. While each Model Forest sets its own priorities, common themes found across the IMFN include biodiversity, conservation, forest restoration, sustainable economic development, education and good governance. These common themes form the basis for networking, learning, and innovating from local to global levels. For more information on the IMFN, please see the IMFN website.
6. Save the Date: RNA’s AGM and Showcase Event coming in September
Resources North Association will be holding a special showcase event in conjunction with our annual general meeting on September 21, 2011. The event will highlight new and ongoing projects delivered by RNA and our partners. Mark your calendars, and join us at this exciting celebration!
7. Leadership events in Mackenzie (by Dave Francis, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations)
Two leadership sessions were completed in Mackenzie in March and May where over 30 participants were exposed to two full days of working experience with: Non-Directive Coaching, Giving and Receiving Feedback, Having Difficult Conversations, and Enhancing Personal and Collective Accountability. Participant enthusiasm during the event was excellent. The inclusion of young participants from Mackenzie Secondary was a huge success. The sessions formed an excellent foundation for a follow up phase planned for October 2011. This program aims to build leadership skills within the community of Mackenzie and surrounding area as part of their ongoing recovery and community development initiatives.
8. New information on caribou
Visit the Central BC Caribou website for our latest updates on caribou research and recovery planning.
