Following the adoption of the Lake Windermere Management Plan this past February, a new Lake Management Committee has been appointed to assist with the implementation of the plan.

“The creation of a Lake Management Committee was one of the key recommendations of the management plan and the terms of reference we have adopted help provide clear goals and objectives for the committee,” says Regional District of East Kootenay Electoral Area F director, Wendy Booth.

“The appointment of this committee is an exciting step.”

The management committee will be involved with public education and outreach and will assist the regional district and District of Invermere with increasing community engagement and awareness about both regulatory and non-regulatory components in the plan.

The Lake Windermere Ambassadors, a group of volunteers representing a range of interests and organizations, have been appointed as the Lake Management Committee for a period of five years.

“The Ambassadors have shown a keen interest in the lake for years and they will be a tremendous asset in promoting education and raising awareness for residents and visitors alike,” explains Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft.

The Lake Management Committee will strive to include representation from a wide range of interests including the business community, conservation and stewardship groups, recreationalists, full time and seasonal residents, commercial and marina operators, First Nations, local government and youth.

The implementation of the Lake Windermere Management Plan is a joint initiative of the District of Invermere and regional district.

An open house was held in Windermere on August 2 to introduce the implementation strategy to the public.

A second open house is set for mid September.

Submitted by the Regional District of East Kootenay