i attended the Land Use Framework open house in Calgary. i was dismayed to find out that we had no representation from Bikes and 4x4's. Snowmobiles and Quads are at the working group tables with ASA and AOHVA representing their interests respectively.
i made the appropriate contacts and followed up. Through many communications, i was able to plead our case.
i am DELIGHTED to report that i have received CONFIRMATION from SRD that they will accept a bike AND a 4x4 rep at the working group tables. This is HUGE as these committees will shape the provinces future. Understand that the Ghost Stewardship group is just for the Ghost. The working groups that i got us on is for the PROVINCE! There is a A4WDA rep that will be on the MONITORING and EVALUATION committee but we had no one on the actual working groups. This is HUGE!
This has been a tremendous win for our communities.
This is a huge commitment for the candidate chosen to represent the 4x4 community. It requires several multi day meetings throughout Alberta in the next 2.5 months. The government will pay gas and hotels. These are weekday meetings. The first meeting is 1.5 weeks away.
Prior to this confirmation, i had polled various influential and very respected members of our 4x4 community to ask their opinions. We all take this effort very seriously.
i would like to be that candidate as would some of these others but the ability to close our shops to do this is just not possible. We have narrowed it down to one very capable and willing person.
We will need a letter/email from CJA sent to me that i can send to the person i am communicating with at SRD... (a respected 4x4 club that has worked independently with SRD in the past year and a club that SRD will accept endorsements from. There were other clubs and associations that SRD would also accept the endorsement, but as i am a member of CJA and time is not on our side, i made it as easy as possible to get our candidate on board)
Unfortunately, there is not much time for more discussion as SRD needs our choice tomorrow, Monday June 17th. or we will lose the seat. As no one in the bike or 4x4 community realized we were not represented until i made inquiries, please do not feel that feathers have been ruffled. Every move i have made has been in the best interest of bikes and 4x4's. i wish there was time to discuss all the possibilities but time was not and is not on our side. Confirmation was received Wednesday evening last week.
i am pleased to announce that Dave Dunlop (Diamond Dave) has accepted the nomination. Dave has an incredible working and respected relationship already with SRD and we are incredibly lucky to have him as our 4x4 rep on the Conservation and Stewardship Committee of the Alberta Land Use Framework Stakeholder Working Group.
Thank you
Tom Kelly
Topic: FANTASTIC NEWS! (Read 1465 times)