The second floor of the Fernie Museum was packed last Wednesday with attendees eager to hear about the accomplishments of the Elk River Alliance as they held their first annual general meeting.
The Elk River Alliance has been an organization since 2010 but has only recently become an independent group from Wildsight. The group aims to connect people to the Elk River and raise awareness and understanding about the watershed.
The group took the night as an opportunity to provide updates on their accomplishments this year, as well as reviewing their financial reports.
“It’s so great to be here because these people are so passionate about what they do,” said ERA Executive Director Lee-Anne Walker.
Amongst their accomplishments was the Elk River Watershed Valley Bottom assessment, which created a report card of the Elk River’s valley bottom to residents, analyzing how much of it was natural and how much of it was disturbed.
The group also conducted a Silver Springs Stewardship Solutions report, which outlined four priorities that the Silver Springs area requires, such as washrooms.
The ERA also updated their board of directors, keeping some members acclaimed while appointing others to positions amongst the group.
Notably, Levi Strom, a 15-year-old Sparwood resident is now on the Alliance’s board of directors.
“It’s an amazing experience,” said Strom of the appointment. “I’m honoured to be asked to be part of such a great group of people and run a great program, educating younger kids about the Elk Watershed and this entire valley. I’ve grown up and been fishing since I was seven, enjoying the wildlife and everything there is to offer.”
The first board meeting with new as well as acclaimed members will be held in December.