Western Sky’s Watershed Forum an
Unprecedented Success

by Liz Morgan, Outreach & Awareness Committee Volunteer

Barbara Feit, Western Sky Land Trust Chair, addresses attendees at the Watershed Forum

In September, Western Sky hosted its first ever Watershed Forum. As part of the Bow and Beyond Initiative, the goal was to foster a dialogue on watershed conservation between industry, non-profits, government, academia, First Nations and funding organizations.

Key presenters and panelists included representatives from the Land Use Secretariat, University of Calgary, Ghost River Watershed Alliance, Rocky View County and Western Sky Land Trust. The Forum offered participants the opportunity to discuss the challenges, as well as opportunities and strategies associated with watershed conservation. Participants came away with insights and new ideas about strengthening our watershed conservation efforts by eliminating roadblocks such as economic and cultural assumptions, lack of aligned legislation, rural/urban finger pointing and rather focusing on key initiatives such as financial stability, monitoring and public education. Western Sky wishes to thank all who participated, and thanks the volunteers of Western Sky and our extended family of volunteers who contributed time and efforts to make this event a success!

Western Sky Adds the Advisory Committee

The backbone of Western Sky is our volunteers! In early 2010, Western Sky added a new volunteer committee to our organization. The Advisory provides the Board with advice, strategy and general support for Western Sky’s land and fund development objectives surrounding the Bow & Beyond Initiative. Many thanks to John Armstrong, David Bissett, Gordon Brown, Don Douglas, Murray Knechtel, Greg Moffatt, Jack Nodwell and Bob Shaunessy for lending their time and efforts in this area!

Farewell and Many Thanks to Max Fritz

If you have interacted with Western Sky Land Trust (Western Sky), no doubt you have heard the name Max Fritz. Beginning in the early days of Western Sky, Max has played a strong role in our organization and over the past six years, has been a part of a number of transitions where his dedication has been invaluable. Whether in the field working on conserved lands, in the community speaking about our mandate, at the coffee table talking with landowners or in the Board room chairing meetings – Max’s commitment was always evident and his leadership highly regarded.

During his term as Chair, the Bow & Beyond Initiative was launched which resulted in Western Sky’s presence in the community being stronger than ever. When not at work, or volunteering capacities, Max is an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed hunting, fishing and, most of all, the peace and quiet that the outdoors can provide. Max completed his term as Chair this past June, giving the opportunity to welcome Barbara Feit to the seat to lead Western Sky in the next chapter of its history. Today, Max continues to assist on the Executive Committee as Past Chair. MANY THANKS, MAX!