Cherry Ridge Management Committee

Cherry Ridge Management Committee

Cherryville, B.C.

Statement of purpose

1. The purpose of the Cherry Ridge Management Committee is:

(a) to preserve and maintain the environment specifically of the Cherry Ridge

wilderness

area near Cherryville and of the Cherryville area in general, in the Province of British Columbia ( the

Cherry Ridge and Cherryville areas);

(b) to preserve and maintain the watershed forming a part of the Cherry Ridge and

Cherryville areas;

Cherry

Ridge and Cherryville areas;

(d) to cooperate with and enter into agreements with various Ministries and Crown

Corporations of the Government of the Province of British Columbia, having jurisdiction over the use

and management of the Cherry Ridge and Cherryville areas to accomplish the foregoing purposes.

Membership

1. A member of the Cherry Ridge Management Committee is any person that:

(a) agrees with the Constitution of the Society.

2. A member of the Cherry Ridge Management Committee is no longer in good standing if:

(a) they no longer agree with the Constitution of the Society.

Voting

1. A member has one vote.

2. A member will have the priviledge of voting provided that:

(a) they are 16 years of age or greater.

(b) live within the geographic boundaries described below:

(i) east of the Shuswap narrows

(ii) west of Mine Hill

(iii) south from Fraser Lodge

(iv) north from the Creighton Valley Bible Ranch

3. A voting member may cast a vote by proxy provided that the proxy vote is:

(a) in writing and,

(b) given to a director of the society who will present it at the appropriate meeting

4. The number of voting members at a meeting required to form a quorum shall be eight.

5. At a directors meeting, the number of directors required to form a quorum shall be three.

6. Any vote on society matters which requires passage by "special resolution" shall be made by voting through mail after a motion is made and seconded at a general meeting or a directors meeting, unless the motion is made and seconded at a general meeting or annual general meeting which has been advertised for at least 14 days and specifying the intention to propose a special resolution and is voted on and passed by a minimum of 75% of the voting membership of the society.

7. All society issues should be resolved by concensus if possible. However, all issues not required to be resolved by special resolution shall be decided by a simple majority vote of the members at a general meeting or directors present at a directors meeting.

Meetings

1. The president of the society may call a general meeting or a directors meeting at any time.

2. Any three of the directors may call a general meeting or a directors meeting at any time.

3. Any ten of the general members may request that a general meeting be held.

4. The Cherry Ridge Management Committee will report to the Cherryville Community Club a minimum of four times per year at regular Cherryville Community Club meetings. The Cherry Ridge Management Committee portions of those meetings shall be considered as regular meetings of the Cherry Ridge Management Committee and separate minutes of that portion of those meetings shall be kept.

Directors

1. Directors shall be elected by a simple majority vote after being nominated at the annual general meeting.

2. There shall be a minimum of five directors and a maximum of nine.

3. The election of directors shall start with the election of a president, a vice president, a secretary/treasurer, and followed by the election of up to six additional directors.

4. In the absence of the president, the vice president shall chair meetings and conduct meetings, or in the absence of the president and the vice president the secretary/treasurer shall assume those duties.

5. Any or all of the directors may be dismissed by special resolution. A new director must be elected to replace any director who has been relieved of his duties, unless there is no one willing to fill the vacant position.

6. If the president is dismissed, the vice president shall assume the role of president and the office of vice president shall remain vacant until the next election of directors at an annual general meeting. If the president and vice president or all of the directors are dismissed, then a special general meeting must be held at the earliest opportunity to elect a new executive and directors.

7. Directors will not be remunerated for their services in administering the business of the society but can be remunerated for extroadinary expenses incurred in administering the business of the society. This will not prevent the society from hiring any of its directors to perform tasks required by the society to carry out its mandate.

8. The sercretary/treasurer will keep minutes of all directors and general meetings where

policy will be determined or work will be planned or commisioned.

Directors Powers

1. The directors will have the power to:

(a) meet with other groups and official agencies in pursuit of the society's mandate

(b) enter into contracts and leases

(d) pay the society's debts

(e) borrow money for the society's need upon approval by special resolution.

Documents

1. All documents shall be kept at the official residence of the society or at a place of safekeeping as agreed to by the directors with the exception of the official minutes which may be kept at the residence of the secretary/treasurer.

Finances

1. The directors will manage the society's funds and use them to meet the society's

mandate.

2. The directors will make every attempt to keep in reserve, adequate funds to meet the long term needs of the society in the pursuit of its mandate.

3. The directors will be accountable to its membership regarding financial matters.

4. The directors will engage accounting services to audit its finances as is required by the Society Act.

Use of Funds

1. The society's funds shall not be used for any purpose other than to carry out the society's mandate on Cherry Ridge unless it is decided by the directors that funds are available in excess of those required to meet the society's long term needs.

2. Any funds spent for a purpose other than to carry out the mandate of the society must be agreed to by special resolution.

3. No funds will be invested into any financial instrument that has any degree of risk or that would prevent the society from meeting its financial obligations in a timely manner.

Other Bylaws

1. This society was incoporated using the bylaws listed under Schedule B of the Society Act and where the bylaws drafted by the Cherry Ridge Management Committee have not altered or added to those bylaws, those bylaws shall remain in force.

Executive

President

Wayne Cunneyworth

547-9300; e-mail

Vice President

Hank Cameron

547 2445

Treasurer

Jamey Sanborn

Secretary

Annette Welz

Directors: Sean Ardis, Greig Cretin, Cliff Dyck, Edsel Fleury, Dean Foisy, Eugene Foisy, Lance Harvey, Wendy Justice, Bill Lywood, Toni Paul, Gord Pollock, Melanie Staker, James Tisdale, Garry Toma

Honorary Lifetime Director: Wally Zeolkowski

Cherry Ridge 2003

Cherry Ridge 2003 (from the fence line road)

Cherry Ridge 2003

Minutes of the Twelfth Annual General Meeting - February 28, 2008

Attendees: Sean Ardis, Greig Cretin, Hank Cameron, Wayne Cunneyworth, Dean Foisy, Eugene Foisy, Sam Lagerquist, Ernie Laviolette, Bill Lywood, Toni Paul, Gord Pollock, Jamey Sanborn, Melanie Staker, James Tisdale, Garry Toma, Annette Welz

Wayne called the 12th Annual General Meeting to order, with 16 people in attendance (the first AGM was held May 22, 1997) and reviewed the agenda for the meeting.

Wayne read the minutes from the February 22, 2007 AGM and the minutes of the December 20, 2007 directors meeting. Melanie moved that the minutes be adopted as read, seconded by Gord, passed.

Wendy was unable to attend this meeting, but provided copies of the Treasurers Report which were handed out to the audience. Wayne read a note to the society from Wendy, thanking the members for their support and indicating that she would not run for treasurer again this year. (She offered to stand for nomination as a director, however). There is $172,862.69 in a GIC account. Half the annual interest on that is deposited in our chequing account and the other half is used to fund local community projects.

Penny Stuyt has been doing the society’s books for no charge. (Thank you Penny!)

Hank provided a summary of the past year’s activities, including:

•

Two salvage licenses (Cherry Ridge and Heckman Ridge)

•

New cut-off trail on Cherry Ridge and maintenance of other trails for access

•

Cooperation with Ron Otteson for access through his woodlot

•

Ian Templeton’s catwork (much appreciated)

•

Replanting projects in the works

•

Good input from all CRMC directors

•

We have come out ahead again financially for salvage operations

•

Many thanks to Jamey Sanborn

•

Pope & Talbot outstanding issues due to bankruptcy

•

Culvert installed by Guy Kelly in a very tricky location

•

Not many red trees on the ridges at this point

•

Meeting with Forestry personnel (Andree Maxwell)

•

Cherry Ridge and Heckman Ridge boundaries finalized

Wayne provided a brief status report on the two-part Community forests proposal for Cherry Ridge (676 hectares) and Heckman Ridge (447 hectares). We are now awaiting an official invitation from the Ministry of Forests and Range to apply for a Community Forest. MoFR has expressed a willingness to assist with the application if we need any help.

Eugene made a motion asking for a letter of support in NORD’s opposition to the proposed amalgamation of regional districts, seconded by James, all in favour.

On behalf of the society, Wayne expressed our gratitude for the contributions of honourary lifetime director Wally Zeolkowski who, sadly, will not be renewing his membership this year. His memory will surely continue to provide inspiration for this group. Melanie stated that she would not run for secretary again this year, but she accepted nomination as a director. Although not present for this meeting, Cliff Dyck and Edsel Fleury also offered their names for nomination as directors.

Election of Officers.

President: Wayne Cunneyworth

Vice President: Hank Cameron

Treasurer: Jamey Sanborn

Secretary: Annette Welz

Directors: Sean Ardis, Greig Cretin, Dean Foisy, Cliff Dyck, Edsel Fleury, Eugene Foisy, Wendy Justice, Bill Lywood, Toni Paul, Gord Pollock, Jamey Sanborn, Melanie Staker, James Tisdale, Garry Toma

At a general meeting of the Society on the 26th of April, 2007, the following special resolution was passed, to increase the maximum number of directors from 9 to 20: Resolved that the Society's bylaw 19.(2) which currently reads, “The numbers of directors shall be a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 9” be replaced with, “The number of directors shall be a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 20". The revised bylaws were not sent to Victoria for registration last year, so Wayne suggested that the same resolution be reconfirmed by voting at this AGM with the 2008 membership now in attendance. It was passed unanimously. Notice of the special resolution will be sent to Victoria with the annual report.

Eugene thanked CRMC members and directors for the significant accomplishments the group has made over the years.

Hank spoke about the positive effects we have seen from including the community on discussions about forest health issues and the goals of the society.

Jamey made a motion that we give the gun range $50 per metre for the 4 cubic metres that we cut on their property, plus $1 per metre for 140 cubic metres that was hauled through their property (total $340), i.e. the same deal offered to other land owners. Seconded by Wayne, all in favour.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Minutes of Directors Meeting - April 10, 2008

Attendees: Sean Ardis, Greig Cretin, Hank Cameron, Wayne Cunneyworth, Dean Foisy, Eugene Foisy, Lance Harvey, Bill Lywood, Toni Paul, Gord Pollock, Jamey Sanborn, James Tisdale, Garry Toma, Annette Welz

Wayne called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm, with 14 people in attendance, and reviewed the agenda for the meeting.

Wayne read the minutes from the February 28, 2008 AGM. Eugene moved that the minutes be adopted with corrections proposed by Jamey, Hank and Sean, seconded by Sean, passed.

Jamey asked the group to formally identify authorized signing officers for the society so that he may provide this list of names to the bank. Eugene moved that the four executive officers (President: Wayne Cunneyworth, Vice-president: Hank Cameron, Secretary: Annette Welz, Treasurer: Jamey Sanborn) all be named as signing officers, seconded by Sean, all in favour. Any two of these four people may sign cheques for the society. (CRMC cheques require the signatures of two authorized signing officers).

Hank provided a status report on salvage operations for Cherry Ridge and Heckman Ridge. He has burned slash piles at 2-1/2 K and at the Gun Range. Out of 12 original piles, there is only one now remaining to be burned. Locals seem to have noticed that some good firewood was available at 2-1/2 K, since it has disappeared. There are still a few red trees on the Heckman side but almost none on Cherry Ridge. More salvage will need to be done on Heckman Ridge and we should probably apply again this year for another license.

Jamey and Hank have been reviewing the CRMC claims and status for the Pope & Talbot bankruptcy. There is $10,435.95 owing, minus 2,545.23 stumpage paid for a subtotal of $7,890.72. Subtracting GST owed (473.44) gives a total of $7,147.28 owed to CRMC. A small claims court claim in that amount will be filed. P&T had originally listed a lower amount owing, but Jamey corrected this. Hank noted that any statements issued by American handlers of the bankruptcy apply only to American creditors and our claim will be addressed in Canada. For more information, contact Hank or Jamey.

Wayne passed on a request from the Cherryville and Area Historical Society for any old photographs of logging operations or related wilderness events of a historical nature. Eugene may have some photographs of the 1972 road blockade on Cherry Ridge. Local newspaper archives may provide some additional coverage of this event. Ethel or Harold Zeolkowski may also have some photos of historical interest. Wayne will talk to them.

The group discussed arrangements for Earth Day clean up of North Fork Road as part of our Adopt-a-Highway commitment to maintain that section of the road from the intersection at Old North Fork onward to Begbie Road. This year the clean-up will begin at the Emporium and continue past Old North Fork to Begbie. The intention is to extend our Adopt-a-Highway agreement and request that the CRMC Adopt-a-Highway sign be moved to the Aumond Road intersection. This will significantly increase awareness of CRMC activities in the community since Emporium customers will be exposed to the sign at that new location. Directors, family and friends will meet at the Emporium at 2:00 pm, April 22 to begin coordinating clean up operations. Schoolchildren will be encouraged to join us after school, at parents’ discretion, or whenever they are available that afternoon. Garbage will be accumulated in one or two trucks at the Emporium for final delivery to the dump. Wayne will call Bill Verhage at Argo Maintenance regarding access to the dump for collected garbage.

There is $172,862.69 in our GIC account. Half the annual interest on that is deposited in our chequing account and the other half is used to fund local community projects. At this time there are no applications for grants from any community organizations or individuals. The question was asked, “What happens to the money if we don’t give it away in the form of grants this year?” It was suggested that the grant amount would simply accumulate over time for future projects. A number of community non-profit organizations (including CRMC, the Historical Society, the Artisans, etc.) are working to install a Welcome to Cherryville sign near the top of Shuswap Hill and it was suggested that perhaps these organizations might apply for the grant money. Wayne will pass this idea on to interested parties. Submissions should be made as soon as possible so that we may close this issue until next year.

Wayne read sample descriptions for each category of officer in the CRMC executive and proposed that directors consider adopting similar descriptions to assist society members in understanding officers’ responsibilities and expectations. These descriptions might be formally adopted in a future motion or simply used as informal guidelines, to be decided at another meeting.

Eugene asked how the increased number of directors (now 20) will affect the number required for a voting quorum. We will review our bylaws and revisit this question at our next meeting.

Eugene moved that Lance Harvey be nominated as a new CRMC director, bringing the total number of directors to 19, seconded by Edsel. Lance accepted the nomination. Unanimously approved by those present.

Complete List of CRMC Officers.

President: Wayne Cunneyworth

Vice President: Hank Cameron

Treasurer: Jamey Sanborn

Secretary: Annette Welz

Directors: Sean Ardis, Greig Cretin, Dean Foisy, Cliff Dyck, Edsel Fleury, Eugene Foisy, Lance Harvey, Wendy Justice, Bill Lywood, Toni Paul, Gord Pollock, Jamey Sanborn, Melanie Staker, James Tisdale, Garry Toma

Wayne provided a brief status report on the two-part Community forests proposal for Cherry Ridge (676 hectares) and Heckman Ridge (447 hectares). Jamey provided the long-awaited official invitation to apply for a Community Forest, signed by Rich Coleman, Minister, the Ministry of Forests and Range. Wayne read the letter to directors and suggested it be framed as a historical document for CRMC. Photocopies will be provided to all directors. A brief discussion of the significance and history of this letter followed.

Wayne reminded the group of the MoFR meeting Monday, April 21, 2008, 1:00 at Lumby Town Hall, organized by Andrea Inwards. This is a Community Forest introductory meeting which is not exclusively directed at CRMC. In addition to CRMC directors, this meeting will be attended by representatives from the Okanagan Shuswap Forest District, BC Community Forest Association, NORD and the Okanagan Indian Band (contact: Colleen Marchand). It is important that we be prepared, if necessary, to demonstrate our support for and from the community at this meeting. Wayne has invited Ernie Laviolette to join us at this meeting. Hank stressed the need to have letters of support for CRMC from various community representatives.

Wayne informed the group of a meeting planned with our MLA, the Honourable Tom Christensen, Friday, June 6, 2008, 10:00 – 11:00 am at the Cherryville Museum. This meeting will mark the official public announcement of our invitation to apply for a Community Forest.

Cliff asked if the start time for directors meetings could be changed to an earlier time, perhaps as early as 6:30. After some discussion, it was decided that the next meeting will be scheduled for 7:00 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 PM.

Cherryville Community Forest

Cherry Ridge Salvage Area

Cherryville Community Forest

Heckman Ridge Salvage Area

The Cherry Ridge Management Committee, has expanded on its purpose as stated in the following Bylaws, by taking the environmental watchdog position for the community. It reviews and discusses harvesting plans, etc., that it feels may impact community interests.

The CRMC was originally part of the Cherryville Community Club, when Ed Beer was president, but the executive at that time was uncomfortable in entering into contracts with the Forest Service for salvage permits, because of their lack of familiarity with the industry. The Community Club requested that the committee form its own society and deal with those matters separately in the community's interest, while the CCClub would focus more on the community's recreational and social needs.

Bylaws

Contact Information

Community Forest Agreement

Cherry Ridge Management invites all residents to add their concepts and thoughts to final process.

Community Forest Agreement (CFA)

Application Format and Contents

Consistency with Provincial CFA Program Objectives

The Cherryville CFA will provide these community objectives:

Control beetle populations and improve forest health

Maintain the subsurface groundwater flows that fill our wells

Maintain and improve wildlife habitat

Provide recreational opportunities

Provide a quality viewscape

Provide a source of local building materials and fuel wood

Create value from forest products

Supply artisans with nice products like guitar wood

Make local timber resources available like saw logs, poles, timber frames, building, logs, firewood

Provide opportunities for botanical and medicinal plant

Provide funds for Community Projects or initiatives

Community Values

1) Clean and stable water supplies

2) Healthy Forests

3) Collaborative and co-operative relationship within our community and with native communities in our area. The CFA movement provides us a common link and gives us a chance to work together with others for common shared interests

4) Attractive Viewscapes

5) Healthy wildlife populations and diversity.

We wish to live in a biological state of maximum diversity and sustainablity

6) Community fellowship and shared future, we want the whole community to feel that they have a stake in the common woods we share.

Community Priorities

Water Supply

Healthful Environment

Habitat Enhancement

Long term local Economic Opportunity

Attractive viewscapes

Cherryville CFA will diversify Use and Benefits

In the CFA there will be a certainty of supply that local entrepreneurs can plan their use of forest products. Managers will be able to set up sales of specialty items like building logs, firewood. The community will be able to provide educational and entertainment benefits to visitors and local users of the museum or stage which were provided with assistance from CRMC.

CRMC website will raise awareness of Cherryville and provide a connection to the world outside and within our community.

The stability of the CFA structure will allow for the use of the area for enhanced recreation uses like interpretive trails (flume trail) and viewpoints (mine site).

The Community Forest Society will be able to provide bridge financing for other local societies such as Historical Society or Community Club.

The Community Forest Society will be able to provide to the Church for hampers.

Social and Economic benefits to B.C.

Pay Stumpage

Develop New Products

Develop new Methods

Create valuable products from Forest Resources

Create Paid employment and business opportunity

Sound Principles of Environmental Stewardship

The principle maintain the appearance of the CFA with continuous coniferous canopy. The CFA area will be managed as a sustained yield common area where water is the main resource to protect. The forest will be managed according to the principles of ecosystem based management.

Promote Community Involvement and participation

Groups that co-operate with CRMC

School and PAC Committee

Museum/Historical Society

Boy Scouts

Gospel Church

Community Club

Cherryville Emporium

Adopt-a-Road Highways

Relationships with Aboriginal Communities

Cherryville has some individuals of aboriginal ancestry including some directors of this society.

We will co-operate and share expertise especially in the fields of water issues and Habitat Restoration or enhancement

Get assistance with GIS programs from OKIB

Establish new connections through BCCFA to established community forest group.

Foster Innovation

Use land base for experimental control area

Prepare for climate variation

Plant innovative species

Try some new techniques to manage Forest Health

Co-operate with academic and research community

Establish contacts at UBC O, TRU, Okanagan College

Advocate Worker safety

Proud to play a role in programs to foster worker safety including training,

and WorkSafe (safe companies program)

Will require all workers to be safely clothed, certified, alert and fit for the day

Community Forest Agreement

Cherry Ridge Management invites all residents to add their concepts and thoughts to the final process.

Send your input on the following to e-mail, or telephone Hank Cameron at (250) 547 2445.