From Megan MacPhee,

Every year we gift a Golden Shovel to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to Invasive Plant management in the East Kootenays. This year we are excited to present the Golden Shovel to someone who A - got my foot in the door with invasive species,  and B - someone who is always there for EKISC. She shows up to all the meetings, volunteers with us at community weed pulls and always says hi when we are in her neck of the woods.  She was an EKISC contractor, a previous board director, my invasive mentor and friend -  this year we would like to recognize Tracy Kaisner, a true invasive species champion. 

 

Tracy has been in the invasive species game probably longer than most in this room. Upon settling in Sparwood and working in forestry, she was immediately captivated by the beauty of the Elk Valley and became inspired to protect it by switching gears and getting into habitat management and restoration. She is currently the owner/operator of Westfork Resources - and her company which she runs with her husband Darrell, is where we direct anyone looking to improve or create invasive species management plans, cause she is simply the best. She is contracted throughout the region to bring her invasive specialities to various industries, organizations or landowners, to name a few, she worked with the  City of Fernie on their invasive plant management plan - where she constructed comprehensive strategies for combating these intruders, she was an EKISC herbicide sprayer contractor, that’s when we met and she hired ME which got me started in the invasive species game, and she is currently assisting Teck Resources to build and improve upon their invasive plant management programs, which involved everything from training staff to inventories and monitoring. She really does and has done it all. Tracy's extensive hands-on experience and deep-rooted commitment have truly set her apart in this field.

 

Beyond her professional pursuits, Tracy has also dedicated her time and expertise to several community groups including us, back when we were the East Kootenay Invasive Plant Council, where she served as a Director from 2008 to 2010. Her involvement with the council as well as other groups across the region demonstrates her unwavering commitment to the cause of invasive plant management, extending her reach beyond individual projects to the broader community.

 

Tracy, your contributions have not gone unnoticed. Your passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment have paved the way for a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem in our region. Your ability to inspire and motivate others, including myself, in this critical field is truly commendable.

 

Come up and get your shovel - a token of our gratitude for your relentless efforts in preserving and restoring our natural environment.