Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority Trust Fund. Annual Report 2009/10

Transcription

1 Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority Trust Fund Annual Report 2009/10

2 Table of Contents Message from the CEO... 3 Background... 5 History... 5 The Wetland... 6 Mission... 7 Public Outreach /10 Highlights... 8 Ramsar Training Course... 8 Viewing tower... 9 Bat Condominium... 9 Seasonal Naturalist Staff Mandate Review Financial and Governance Overview Financials Governance Authority Members 2009/ Staff 2009/ Financial Summary 2009/ Auditors Report Figure 1: Summarized Statement of Financial Position Figure 2: Summarized Statement of Operations Figure 3: Grant Revenue Figure 4: Perpetual Fund Contact Us

3 Message from the CEO This fiscal year has been a significant clean- up year. We had two contaminated sites identified: one at the administrative buildings and the other at the Interpretation Centre. These were two buried gasoline and diesel fuel tanks, which over the years have rusted and leaked into the surrounding soil. The tanks were removed and soil samples taken to determine the extent of the problem. More monitoring is required to determine the next steps, if any, to ensure the site is at acceptable levels. This monitoring will continue into our next fiscal year. The old Summit Creek Campground had a large amount of debris, old buildings with lead paint, that were nothing more than attractive nuisances with contaminated material on them. In addition there were rusted fireplaces and asbestos water pipes in the ground that needed to be removed and properly disposed of. Large dilapidated barns at West Meadows Farms were also demolished and removed. Since the large barn was used by various bat species we built a new bat condominium that can house some ten thousand bats. All this enabled the CVWMA to eliminate a significant amount of liability while returning much of the area to original habitat for various species. The Provincial Government through the Ministry of Environment provided the funding for this work. Our Interpretation Centre had another successful year providing environmentally oriented educational programs to some 1,700 students from schools as far away as Montana. Thanks to the Young Canada Works/Canadian Museums Association grant for returning students, we were able to hire three naturalists, all of whom did an excellent job running our school programs and educating the general public on the importance of wetlands globally and our wetland in particular. Carla Ahern ran a successful stewardship program enabling many students to get a hands on experience in the wetland by actually working in the field and minimizing some of our invasive plant issues. The Mandate Review process is progressing slowly and due to many staff changes within the Ministry of Environment it has not gone as well as I had hoped. This is an extremely important process for the organization, which will determine our future status. It is my hope that the provincial government will give it the necessary priority in order to see it completed during the next fiscal year. Our Provincial representative on the Authority and Chairperson, Wayne Stetski, retired from government and our federal government representative, Andre Breault, assumed the position as Chairperson. In February of 2010 Tom Bell was appointed by the provincial government to replace Wayne Stetski, and Tom also assumed the position of Chairperson. A public, non- government person has not been appointed to 3

4 replace Steven Bullock. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Andre Breault, while he was Chairperson, for his support, advice and hard work. I appreciate the commitment of the Authority and look forward to working with them during the coming fiscal year. Finally, I would like to thank all our friends, donors, granting agencies and volunteers who have so kindly helped us throughout the year, and a very special thanks to BC Hydro, our substantial funder, for its continued financial and moral support of our organization. Without the continued commitment of these organizations and individuals we would not be able to continue to provide the educational programs nor maintain the habitat of the wetlands for all the species that reside here. Richard L. Dalon CEO 4

5 Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority Trust Fund Background History Dedicated and passionate individuals and organizations around the world work hard to make sure our outstanding natural spaces remain intact. In the Creston Valley, we are fortunate to have a rich history in conservation. Many people, to many to name, were instrumental in promoting the conservation and protection of the diverse landscape we now call the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. Established by Provincial Legislation in 1968 under the Creston Valley Wildlife Act, the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area/Authority (CVWMA) consists of 7,000 hectares (17,000 acres) of provincial land. It contains one lake (1,500 ha or 3,700 acres) and 17 marshes plus a major river and adjoining mountain slopes. Located on the Pacific Flyway, the marshes form a valuable link in a chain of wetlands stretching from the Arctic Ocean to California. The CVWMA was the first major collaboration between the Governments of Canada and British Columbia in the field of Wildlife Management and Conservation. The Creston Valley Wildlife Act designates the Minister of Environment as being responsible for the Area. It establishes a Management Authority consisting of: a federal representative, appointed by the federal Minister of Environment; a provincial representative, appointed by the provincial Minister of Environment and if the Minister determines, a third non-governmental representative may be appointed. The Authority reports to the provincial Minister of Environment and the Authority has a CEO who reports back to the Authority. 5

6 The Wetland After over 40 years, the CVWMA continues to be a rich and biologically diverse area. Over 300 species of birds, 57 species of mammals and 29 species of fish, reptiles and amphibians call the area home. Many of these are species at risk, endangered, threatened, vulnerable or of special concern, at a provincial and/or federal level. In 1994, the CVWMA was designated as a wetland of international importance (Ramsar site). Birdlife International also recognizes the CVWMA as an Important Bird Area, because it regularly supports over 100,000 water birds during migration periods, and as an Important Amphibian and Reptile Area by the Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network. The 7,000 hectare habitat is an important destination in the migration of tundra swans and greater white-fronted geese and a vast array of waterfowl. Birdwatchers marvel at the 6 species of grebes, large numbers of great blue herons, american white pelicans, the rare Forster s terns which breed no where else in BC and a thriving Osprey population. 6

7 Mission To manage the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area for conservation and natural species diversity through active habitat and wildlife management, research, education and public support. Public Outreach The Wildlife Interpretation Centre, located 11 kilometers west of Creston on Hwy 3, is open May to October and offers a variety of programs and events for schools, groups and visitors, both local and from around the world. Trained naturalists are available to answer questions, provide trail maps and information and lead the very popular onehour guided canoe tours. Educational displays and a hands-on science lab provide a fascinating and informative view of this internationally recognized wetland and the wildlife species that live here. Easy, 24/7 access to over 32 kilometers of dyke trails offer amazing opportunities to view a large diversity of wildlife. To explore the area, one can hike, bike, bird watch, view wildlife, canoe, kayak and fish. Climb the two viewing towers, located along the trails, for breathtaking views of the valley. The CVWMA attracts over 35,000 visitors per year from around the world. As part of the International Selkirk Loop and Top Ten Scenic Drives of the Northern Rockies, the CVWMA is a major destination and attraction for people traveling through southeastern BC. With an amazing diversity of wildlife, spectacular scenery, a bounty of recreational opportunities and a Wildlife Interpretation Centre offering educational programming and special events, the CVWMA is a truly unique and magical place to visit. 7

8 2009/10 Highlights Ramsar Training Course A National Training Course for Canadian Ramsar Site Managers took place at the CVWMA from October 5th to 8th, The course brought together people from across the country who work with Ramsar sites and helped to raise awareness of Ramsar sites in Canada. This was the first ever course of its kind in Canada and it brought various issues to the attention of the provincial and federal governments. The course would not have been possible without the financial contributions from: Columbia Basin Trust, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Regional District of the Central Kootenays (Area s A, B, C and Town of Creston), Ducks Unlimited Canada, Environment Canada (CWS) and the Columbia Brewery. 8

9 Viewing tower The three-story viewing tower located along the Marsh Trail Loop near the Wildlife Interpretation Centre is a popular destination for people exploring the wetland. It takes you high above the ponds and vegetation, providing a bird seye view of the wetland landscape. Built in the late 60 s, this timber-framed roof covered tower has been a CVWMA landmark for decades. School children, birdwatchers, photographers and nature enthusiasts utilize the space to view wildlife and enjoy the breathtaking views of the wetland and surrounding mountains. The old tower was nearing the end of its lifespan. The cost to remove the old tower and build a new one was $58,000. Grants from individuals, businesses and organizations, over 90 in total, helped to raise this money and build the new tower in the Spring of Bat Condominium At Duck Lake, on the CVWMA property, bats were utilizing an old and somewhat dilapidated barn as a summer maternity roost. Unfortunately, the roof of the barn was caving in, becoming a potential hazard to both the public and wildlife using it, so it was taken down. Not wanting to lose the habitat, a new bat condo was built and erected in its place. This new structure should provide sufficient habitat for the bats to roost in. Special thanks to: Fortis BC for donating 4 telephone poles; Ministry of Environment for the funding the bat condo project; and Paul van Deursen for a great job building it! 9

10 Seasonal Naturalist Staff We were able to procure funding for three of our Wetland Naturalists thanks to the Young Canada Works Program (Canadian Museums Association). This allowed the CVWMA to offer school and youth programs as well as guided tours to the general public and special groups out of the Wildlife Interpretation Centre. Mandate Review The CVWMA began a government-led mandate review process in the spring of 2008, initiated by the Honorable Barry Penner, BC Minister of Environment. The mandate review process is under the direction of the Crown Agencies Secretariat, led by Parks Branch of the Ministry of Environment and follows specific guidelines set out by the Ministry of Finance. Richard Dalon, CEO of the CVWMA, is working with a team from the Ministry of Environment on the mandate review of the CVMWA. Progress is being made as the government wants to see the review completed in In 2008, a risk identification survey of the CVWMA was conducted by staff from the Risk Management Branch and Government Security Office of the Ministry of Finance, to identify high level strategic risks as well as operational risks arising out of the day to day operations of the CVWMA and to provide suggested mitigation strategies for those risks wherever possible. 10

11 In February of 2010, the Ministry of Environment allocated specific funds to remedy some of the outstanding issues of liability that were identified at the CVWMA in the Risk Identification Report. The following projects were completed with this money: Secure and fence high voltage water pumps and large culverts at Duck Lake Secure and fence storage area of compound at Summit Creek Recreation Area Remove unmaintained and unused structures, bathrooms, lead paint and asbestos at the Summit Creek Recreation Area, in an attempt to return the area to its natural state Contaminated sites remediation Remove underground fuel tanks at Wildlife Interpretation Centre and Administration Building Remove 3 dilapidated barns at Duck Lake. Not wanting to lose the habitat that one of the barns provided for bat species, a bat condo was constructed and erected. 11

12 Financial and Governance Overview Financials BC Hydro provided $379,978 for the CVWMA s annual operating budget. Other annual income included revenue from operations: Wildlife Interpretation Centre admission and public programs ($41,920), general donations ($65,737) and other operations ($69,804). See Figure 2 for more details. The endowment fund, at March 31, 2009, stood at $247,683 with interest accumulated over the fiscal year and paid out to the CVWMA to a total of $3,404. For all other grants, see Figure 3. Governance Authority Members 2009/10 Wayne Stetski provincial member (Wayne retired from the Ministry of Environment in September A new provincial member, Tom Bell, was appointed in February of 2010). André Breault federal member and Chair The public member position is currently not filled. Staff 2009/10 Richard L. Dalon Chief Executive Officer Marc-André Beaucher Area Manager and Chief Biologist Anne de Jager Director of Development and Executive Assistant to CEO Gillian Cooper Director of Education and Interpretation Centre (Gillian left in November of Carla Ahern took over her responsibilities) Carla Ahern (nee Haegele) Director of Communications Stewardship & Special Projects (and Education) Angela Hoover Office Administrator Curtis Stankevich Operations Officer 12

13 Financial Summary 2009/10 Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority Trust Fund Auditors Report To the Members: We have audited the statement of financial position of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority Trust Fund as at March 31, 2010 and the statement of operations and net assets for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority Trust Fund as at March 31, 2010 and the results of its operations for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. We report that, in our opinion, these principles have been applied on a basis consistent with that of the preceding year. Creston, B.C. May 20,

14 Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority Trust Fund Figure 1: Summarized Statement of Financial Position ASSETS Current Cash $ 460,051 29,225 Short term investments 112, ,970 Accounts receivable 56,561 14,496 Prepaid expenses 2,711 6,261 Inventory 11,419 12,613 $ 643, ,565 Property, Plant and Equipment 248, ,875 $ 891, ,440 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current Accounts payable $ 70,425 41,000 Deferred contributions 403,737 - Current portion of long term debt 8,146 7,567 $ 482,308 48,567 Long term debt 36,511 44,656 $ 518,819 93,223 Net Assets Unrestricted net assets $ 347, ,217 Replacement reserve 25,000 25,000 $ 372, ,217 $ 891, ,440 14

15 Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority Trust Fund Figure 2: Summarized Statement of Operations REVENUE Grants (See Figure 3) $ 594, ,975 Interest 3,011 12,409 Income from Perpetual Fund (See Figure 4) 3,404 12,451 Operations Wildlife Centre and public programs 41,920 45,664 Donations 65,737 28,641 Other Operations 69,804 90,686 Transfer from Replacement Reserve - 99,345 $ 778, ,171 EXPENSES Wildlife Centre and public outreach $ 464, ,185 Fund development 5,841 10,523 Wildlife and habitat management 144, ,915 Administration and office 67,280 56,209 Other operations 23,945 53,127 $ 706, ,959 EXCESS OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES $ 72, ,212 Unrestricted net assets beginning of the year 275, ,005 UNRESTRICTED NET ASSESTS END OF YEAR $ 347, ,217 15

16 Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority Trust Fund Figure 3: Grant Revenue Grant Revenue was received from the following: BC Hydro - operating grant $ 379, ,861 BC Hydro - special funding 12,000 25,000 Canadian Museums Association 12,067 12,053 Centre for Environmental Stewardship and Conservation 10,000 - Columbia Basin Trust 19,394 2,254 Creston-Kootenay Foundation - 1,000 Ducks Unlimited Canada 1,000 - EK Landowner 9,450 - Environment Canada 19,088 - HCTF Wildlife Maintenance 85,150 7,600 HRDC Summer Career Placement - 4,173 Kootenay Employment Services - 2,784 Ktunaxa Nation Council 4,000 16,000 Labatts 1,000 - Land Conservancy of BC Ministry of Environment 20,000 80,000 Regional District of the Central Kootenays 3,000 - Town of Creston 11,900 8,000 Vancouver Foundation - 3,020 Wildlife Habitat Canada 6,250 18,750 Wildsight 675 1,812 $ 594, ,975 16

17 Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority Trust Fund Figure 4: Perpetual Fund Balance, beginning of year $ 242, ,629 Donations received 5,117 3,937 Balance, end of year $ 247, ,566 In connection with efforts towards obtaining funding from non-governmental sources, the Management Authority has established a perpetual fund administered by the Vancouver Foundation. Under the terms of the deed of gift, the perpetual fund is owned by the Vancouver Foundation. Income received from the Vancouver Foundation during the year amounted to $3,404 ( $12,451) 17

18 Contact Us PO Box 640 Creston, BC V0B 1G0, Canada Phone: (250) Fax: (250) Website: Charitable Registration Number: RR