Membership
The Environment Commission is made up of 10 community volunteers, 1 First Nations representative, 1 representative from the CVRD Economic Development committee, and 3 Directors from the CVRD.
2012 Environment Commission Members
The community members that volunteer their time to sit on the CVRD's Environment Commission come from a wide range of backgrounds (biologists, community developers, organic farmers, economists), and represent a broad spectrum of interests, perspectives and viewpoints.
Roger Hart - A professional engineer who has worked as a senior college administrator and a university professor, and has provided professional services in economic development advice. Roger is a strong advocate of watershed stewardship, conservation and smart development in the Cowichan Valley.
Tyler Innes - A professional biologist and ecologist with a MSc in Environmental and Management, Tyler has more than 15 years experience working to provide environmental assessments to public, private and industrial sectors, ecosystem mapping projects, vegetation and forest structure inventories, and rare plant surveys. He has strong skills in ecological restoration, interpreting landscape attributes in the field and sustainability issues and concepts.
Dave Polster - a Registered Professional Biologist with a M. Sc. in Plant Ecology, Dave has over 30 years of experience in environmental matters. He has been responsible for planning and implementing reclamation programs for major industrial developments, has successfully completed the Best Management Practices for Urban and Rural Land Development (2006 Edition), and has developed innovative vegetation management and invasive species treatment programs in ecological restoration.
Sophy Roberge - Holding a Bachelor in Business Administration, Sophy is currently the Marketing and Public Relations Manager for five "Return It' Centres on the Island. With strong skills in leadership and solving environmental concerns, she brings her experience with recycling and improvements we can make in our environment to the commission.
Judy Stafford - Executive Director of Cowichan Green Community, whose mandate is environmental sustainability for the Cowichan Valley, focusing on food security. Judy has a strong interest in agriculture in the Cowichan Valley and works to increase the availability of community gardens.
Justin Straker - An environmental consultant with a Masters in Biology, Justin specializes in mine reclamation and biomonitoring effects of air pollution on forest ecosystems. He is currently working to reduce the environmental impacts from industrial operations in western and northern Canada.
Peter Keber - A director in the BC Chamber of Commerce, involved in an alternative energy task force, and specializes in peak oil, climate change and food issues on Vancouver Island.
Rodger Hunter - Specializes in sustainable land and resource management issues, program development, strategic and business planning policy development and analysis. Rodger is currently co-chair of the Cowichan Watershed Board.
Roger Wiles - Specializes in natural resource and environmental issues, with a strong interest in forest management practices.
Janna Jorgensen - An organizational leadership consultant with expertise in using community-based social marketing strategies and approaches to foster sustainable behaviour. Janna holds a Master of Arts in Leadership and Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Representatives
Larry George - representing Cowichan Tribes
TBA - member of the CVRD Economic Development Commission
CVRD Directors
Gerry Giles - Electoral Area C Director - Cobble Hill
Phil Kent - Mayor of the City of Duncan
Jon Lefebure - Mayor of Municipality of North Cowichan
