Ecoaction lives to fight another day, after members voted to
keep the voluntary environmental incorporated society intact,
during the annual meeting on Thursday night.
EcoAction had lost several key members and remaining members
were asked to consider if they should continue as a
stand-alone group, or merge with another like-minded outfit.
Returning treasurer Amanda Gatward-Ferguson said on Friday
the five committee members present for the meeting in the
Nomad Safaris office decided to keep it in existence.
"It seemed such a shame to disband it after all the hard
work," she said.
The community group resolved to keep its database of
volunteers, including 10 core helpers, and continue its work
with the Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Group.
An expedition to clear wilding pines from Ben Lomond was
proposed this summer.
EcoAction was now in support, rather than being the driving
force, Mrs Gatward-Ferguson said.
It aimed to maintain and protect the native Otago landscape,
rather than focus on one specific project, she said.
Committee member David Gatward-Ferguson became chairman for
the first time, while fellow committee member Briana Pringle,
Queenstown Lakes District Council forester, became the new
secretary.
Members Michala Phifer and Colin Day also attended.
The group has been involved with wilding pine-control work
and revegetation projects since the mid-1990s.
Members welcomed suggestions for ecological projects from the
community and those with ideas could contact Nomad Safaris,
she said.
Mr and Mrs Gatward-Ferguson are the owner-operators of Nomad
Safaris, which was recognised for its high standards of
environmental practices with a Qualmark Enviro-Gold Award, in
late August
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