Annual Report 2008/2009 - Alberta Conservation Association

Chairman’s Report
I am not sure whether it is a reflection of my age or of just how
busy life is, but time is definitely flying by. As I look back on our
organization, I am struck by how far ACA has come since its
inception.
Our founding member groups have always held a wide
diversity of individual interests, not all of which are aligned
with each other. But what has held these groups together is an
underlying passion for Alberta’s wildlife, fish and habitats, and
the dream to do great things for conservation in Alberta. By
any measure, those dreams have come true over the years and
continue to this day.
This year has been another one of significant progress. The
Board saw a marked improvement in our working partnerships
between ACA and our member groups. We teamed with
several of our stakeholders over the last year on projects, and
these partnerships have been beneficial for all. We also made
some exciting new changes to our granting system that should
benefit conservation in Alberta.
We are excited about the new opportunities we have been
exploring with industry and the prospect of securing additional
land in Alberta for conservation. These land acquisitions will
ensure recreational opportunities for Albertans for all time, and
will certainly be one of ACA’s biggest legacies.
Our Board salutes our staff. When I speak to our staff about
their area of expertise in the organization, their eyes light up
and their deep passion for conservation is evident. We are
fortunate to have people of this caliber working with us, and
the Board appreciates their efforts.
I encourage you and your family to explore Alberta’s great
outdoors as often as possible. If you are looking for a place
to go, check out our Discover Alberta’s Wild Side – Guide to
Outdoor Adventure.
Brian Bildson
6 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2008/2009