by
Jennifer Dart
The Westerly News
March 15, 2006
The Tofino
chapter of the international Surfrider Foundation held its annual general
meeting Sat. March 4 at the Days Inn Weigh West Resort.
About a dozen people attended the meeting, both past and new members, to elect a new executive and discuss the direction of the West Coast chapter.
"[The Tofino Chapter] hasn't been overly active of late," said returning chair Dawn Alex. "We're looking to have more visibility and credibility as an organization."
The non-profit organization is dedicated to "the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves and beaches for all people through conservation, activism, research and education."
Along with Alex, Ron Weeks accepted the role of vice-chair of the executive, and Louise Rogers will be the secretary/treasurer.
Alex talked about the previous initiatives of the Tofino chapter like the Cox Bay Can, as well as the two main programs administered by Surfrider USA. the Respect the Beach education program and the Blue Water task force for water quality testing.
The Tofino chapter is hoping to send a member of the executive to an upcoming seminar given in Friday Harbour, San Juan Islands on how to do water testing after members expressed concern over water quality at areas such as Long Beach, Wickaninnish Island and surrounding local fish farms.
Alex said each chapter of Surfrider acts independently on issues pertaining to local marine environment.
Ralph Tieleman suggested the local organization should be vigilant to ensure public access is guaranteed through the Longboard development at Cox Bay, as well as for a new development proposed for MacKenzie Beach.
He also thought the organization could benefit from membership from Ucluelet.
Beach accesses remain blocked to Chestermen Beach at Solwood and the 30km/h sign on Lynn Road after winter storms, said Krissy Montgomery, and Surfrider may wish to approach the district about making these more accessible.
Other things that might be putting pressure on, or changing the beach environment were brought up, including the new rock walls built at South Chesterman, as well as pumping water onto the beach from a private dwelling at North Chesterman.
Alex suggested Surfrider might also want to add its voice to those of the District of Tofino and the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce to oppose lifting the moratorium on offshore oil and gas development.
Action on these and other issues will be determined at an upcoming meeting, scheduled for March 18.
Surfrider is holding a Beach Clean-up at Cox Bay on the last day of the Whale Festival, Sunday March 19 from 9am to 10:30am.
New members are welcome
to attend meetings and events, watch the Westerly for details or check
out www.surfridercanada.org.
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is illegal without the written consent of The Westerly News (westnews@ukeecable.net).
The Westerly News is published each Wednesday in Ucluelet. Phone: 250
726-7029
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