The Lake Country Environmental Society is dissolving, but its legacy continues.
In a memorandum of understanding the Lake Country Environmental Society agreed to transfer its remaining $4,259 to the District of Lake Country. It will be held in trust and used for projects that protect, remediate or enhance the local environment.
“The society has been a positive force in the community for more than 20 years,” said Stan Brynjolfson, Lake Country Environmental Society president.
“But sadly, our membership has declined in numbers and advanced in years to the point where it is no longer possible to continue. We hope that with the creation of the legacy fund, we can continue to positively affect the local environment.”
The district has agreed to explore the possibility of enhancing the legacy fund to include donations from the public, estates or other potential donors to help augment the program and keep it sustainable.
The society was a driving force in recycling efforts in Lake Country and helped to facilitate the regional program for automated garbage, recyclable and yard waste collection. The society has also been actively involved with schools in establishing environmental clubs and projects like tree planting, clean-up days and storm drain marking.
It also assisted the Oceola Fish and Game Club in frequent clean-ups of Middle Vernon Creek;
“We have appreciated the efforts of the society in working with the district on the development of a sensitive ecosystem inventory, mapping of environmentally-sensitive areas and consulting on the official community plan, to name just a few things they’ve been involved with,” said Steve Schaffrick, Lake Country’s director of community & customer services.
“The recent installation of an osprey nest platform at the northeast corner of Wood Lake was another project funded by the Lake Country Environmental Society.”
