The Burns Bog Conservation Society celebrated its 35th anniversary with a successful Annual General Meeting earlier this month.
Derek Zeisman, a former Delta resident and founding member of the Society, was re-elected to a fourth term as president.
“I’m thrilled to be re-elected,” said Zeisman, a legal officer with Global Affairs Canada. “This AGM was an especially important milestone for us, with the Society celebrating 35 years of hard work to protect and preserve Burns Bog for future generations.
“I really appreciate the membership’s confidence in my leadership, and all the hard work of our board of directors since our last AGM. It’s been a year of immense progress.”
Other elected officers include Liz Walker of Surrey as vice-president, Ed Brown of Delta as treasurer, and Monika Dean of Delta as secretary. Biographies of all directors will be posted on the Society’s website shortly, at www.burnsbog.org.
“I’d like to thank all the members who took the time to support our team at the AGM,” said Zeisman. “I also want to congratulate our talented new eight-member board. Here’s to the next 12 months, and to the next 35 years ahead.”
Zeisman said the Society is planning a variety of events over the coming year, in celebration of its 35th anniversary.
Zeisman said the new board will also continue to strengthen its relationships with staff, volunteers and members, as well as with key external stakeholders, including Metro Vancouver, the City of Delta, the federal and provincial governments, and others.
“We remain concerned that Burns Bog’s complex and diverse ecosystem is coming under ever-increasing pressure from urban development, whether industrial, commercial or transportation-related,” said Zeisman. “Our mission remains to protect and preserve the Bog, while understanding the need for responsible but limited economic activity within its vicinity.”
Founded on Nov. 18, 1988, the Society advocates for the protection and enhanced stewardship of Burns Bog and other peatlands, which are critical natural sanctuaries for unique plants and wildlife. Bogs are also essential carbon sinks, offsetting the adverse effects of human-induced climate change.
Zeisman underlined the essential ecological importance of Burns Bog to coastal British Columbia.
“As a natural carbon sink and water filter, Burns Bog is truly ‘the lungs of the Lower Mainland.’ Our energetic new board will work hard to ensure its health for generations to come,” he said.
