Business Meeting
Sixty-nine people attended GaLTT’s 2026 AGM on March 29th at the Gabriola Golf Club. President Sarah Kopjar started things off acknowledging that we live and work with gratitude on the unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Her President’s Report reviewing the year’s highlights was followed by the Treasurer’s Report from Rich Ketchen, and the election of the two board members, Barry Moerkerken (returning) and Joan Eamer. GaLTT’s many volunteers were thanked, and some were recognized for exceptional efforts (see more below).
Big Trees: Global to Local
The Business Meeting was followed by a fascinating presentation by Registered Forest Technician Greg Herringer. Greg explained the importance of big trees and old growth and the people who work around the world to preserve them, first in an international context (Iran and Tasmania) and then narrowing the focus down to Canada, BC, and finally Gabriola. He explained how activism plus the work of governmental and industry “insiders” over many years has combined to result in important changes in legislation, resulting in the preservation of some significant areas, while noting that not all attempts have been successful and that much more remains to be done.
A few resources mentioned during the presentation:
- Greg is active on Instagram as intheshadowofgiants1
- UBC hosts BC’s Big Tree Registry
- The Stand: a documentary directed by Christopher Aucter. “In the fall of 1985, a small group of Haida people stood on a muddy logging road on Lyell Island—and refused to move. What followed was a landmark act of peaceful resistance that helped spark a nationwide reckoning around land, sovereignty and environmental justice.” You can watch the film on the NFB website or stream it through the NFB or Knowledge Network apps.
Volunteer Awards
GaLTT runs on the work of our many wonderful volunteers. This year our awards recognized the contributions of a few who had made very significant contributions over the past year:
- Peter Christopher (Habitat Restoration)
- Louise Hoogewerf (Habitat Restoration)
- Noel Thompson (Trails)
- Jinny Hayes (Community Engagement)
- Jewel Walker (Community Engagement)
- Eileen Kaarsmaker (Nature Stewards)
- Fred Kaarsmaker (Nature Stewards)
And—surprise!—the Golden Broom Award was dusted off after a few years’ absence and presented to Jody Cameron for her solo work clearing broom from the ferry hill.
Thank you to everyone!
