For its diamond anniversary, the Courtenay and District Fish and Game Protective Association is inviting guests from around the province to celebrate.The association, which is celebrating 75 years of wildlife management and conservation, is hosting the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s 56th annual general meeting and convention April 25 to 28 in Courtenay.”The convention is held yearly and it’s usually spread out in places such as the Kootenays or Prince George,” said Ron Watanabe, chair of the host committee. “The last time we hosted it was in 1994, and now we’re looking to make it the best convention.”The theme for the AGM is A Land Fit for Wildlife is a Land Fit for People, and Watanabe said they are expecting more than 200 guests from around the province.The federation’s membership is made up of more than 100 separate and distinct clubs throughout B.C., 10 regional associations and direct members for a collective membership of more than 38,000.The AGM will take place at the Best Western Plus Westerly Hotel. Speakers include marine biologist Alexandra Morton, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and Bernie Taekema of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Not only does the AGM include sessions on policy discussions, but Watanabe explained the conference also appeals to other demographics as well. “We really want to bring youth and get them involved in the activities just for them,” he noted, and added outings include a tour of the Centre for Shellfish Research in Deep Bay and a tour of the Valley from the local ATV club. The club will also have their facilities open, Watanabe said, for those who want to try their hand at trap and skeet shooting, along with cowboy action shooting.He added there is also a spousal program for the conference, which is autonomous from the AGM, which offers tours of the Comox Valley and a walking tour of Fifth Street in downtown Courtenay.”We really want to promote the Comox Valley,” Watanabe explained, and said he hopes for strong economic spinoffs from the conference.Wednesday, the AGM begins with a delegate meet and greet from 7 to 9 p.m. in the ballroom of the hotel, while president Rod Wiebe will officially open the convention Thursday morning. In addition to BCWF strategic planning, Thursday will also feature a presentation from Jack Minard of the Comox Valley Land Trust, and end with a club barbecue at the club.Watanabe said one highlights of Friday is the 56th annual fundraiser at the Comox Valley Sports Centre, which helps to support conservation groups. He added there are more than $75,000 worth of prizes for the silent auction, raffles and a live auction, and the event is open to the public.Saturday night will close with the BCWF gala dinner and awards at the Native Sons Hall. Watanabe explained the organizing committee chose the hall for the private event to demonstrate the variety of places the Valley has to offer. “We wanted to spread the venues around and really showcase the Valley,” he noted. “We’re trying to inject as much local flavour into the conference as possible.”For more information about the AGM and conference and the full agenda, visit www.bcwf.net.photos@comoxvalleyrecord.com

Comox Valley Record