The 2024 VAN Branch AGM is booked for 4 Feb 2025. This is an in-person event.
Note: Registration deadline is January 25.

Download the Agenda HERE
Branch Executive Report HERE
Download the 2023 AGM Minutes: HERE

BCIA Vancouver Branch 2024 AGM Agenda

5:30 pm Registration, Networking, Refreshments, and Appetizers
5:55 pm Welcoming Remarks and Guest Introductions by Kathy Ma, P.Ag., Branch President
6:00 pm Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Clements, Presentation: Invasive Species and Climate Change; Plant Invasions in the Face of Unpredictable Weather and Natural Disasters
6:30 pm Coffee Break/Prize Draw/Mentimeter
7:00 pm AGM, including Presentation from new BCIA CEO & Registrar Jennifer Lawrence

9:00 pm Motion to Adjourn
9:05 pm New Branch Executive Brief Meeting
9:15 pm Aggie Drinks (Location TBD)

PD Event: Invasive Species and Climate Change; Plant Invasions in the Face of Unpredictable Weather and Natural Disasters (Record PDH for this separately to the AGM in your report)

Climate change predictions for the Pacific Northwest region of North America include both warmer and more unpredictable weather, such as extreme flooding events. The predicted increase in atmospheric rivers in the Pacific Northwest region favours many invasive plant species adapted to dispersing or reproducing under such conditions, as my research team has been monitoring for knotweed spp. in response to the extreme flooding in November 2021 in BC. This presentation will look at factors predicting plant invasions with increased flooding, within a framework incorporating climate dynamics, ecosystem resistance, and invader fitness.

Better monitoring of aquatic sites is needed as aquatic and riparian species have frequently gone undetected for years and may increase dramatically in the absence of a rapid management response. Rapid control responses are difficult in aquatic habitats in BC and Alberta because chemical control options are limited. As well as increased vigilance and the development of additional management options, ultimately the goal should be to increase ecosystem resistance to help prevent large scale invasions that have been recorded for many of these species, in this region and other places around the globe.

About the presenter:
David Clements is a plant ecologist based at Trinity Western University in Langley, BC, Canada. His research on invasive riparian plants, Garry oak ecosystems and climate change has yielded more than 80 scientific publications. He manages TWU’s field research sites: the Ecosystem Study Area, the Blaauw Eco Forest and the Crow’s Nest Ecological Research Area on Salt Spring Island. As well as teaching ecological courses on the TWU campus, he teaches field courses on Salt Spring Island and Hawaii. In 2022 he published two edited books, Persistence Strategies of Weeds and Global Plant Invasions, and is one of the editors of the new Biology of Invasive Plants series in Invasive Plant Science and Management. He also edits a series on invasive species for Pacific Science which he helped initiate in 2007. He is actively involved in local stewardship groups and writes the Green Beat column for the Langley Advance Times newspaper.

Nominations for Branch Executive: We are looking for nominations for Vancouver Branch Executive positions. Positions up for election this year at the Branch AGM include:

• President Elect (2-yr; President in second year): Available
• Treasurer (2-yr): Available
• Secretary (1-yr): Available
• Directors (1-yr): Four positions available
• Student Reps (1-yr): Multiple positions available

Email nominations to Kathy Ma at tokathyma@gmail.com by January 28.

For a description of each position, please see the Branch Executive Committee Responsibilities document HERE.

Being part of the Branch Executive is a great experience! You can learn about the business of the institute, help develop professional development activities that you are passionate about, add to your resume, and grow your professional network. Additionally, being part of the branch executive can be used for professional development hours. We encourage everyone who is interested in putting their names forward.

If you would like to nominate yourself (or someone else with their permission), please forward your nomination to Kathy Ma at tokathyma@gmail.com by January 28. Nominations should include the position of interest and a short bio/statement.

Please note: Nominations will only be accepted from the floor for positions that did not receive nominations prior to the AGM.

Articling Registrants Needing To Do Their Presentation

All articling Registrants that need to complete their presentation at this year’s AGM, please forward your name to Graham Watson Graham.Watson@gov.bc.ca by January 21. You will receive a slide template to fill out Your email should include a short presentation (1 slide) with a description of who you are, your area of interest/ practice, and your professional experience.

Please note: All those wishing to complete their oral presentation must pre-register with Graham Watson (and sign up when registering).

All newly elevated Registrants (new PAgs, TAgs and LLAgs) will be recognized for their achievements.

Please note that photographs and footage will be taken throughout the event. These will be used by BCIA for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website, newsletters, and on social media. Should you not wish to have your photo taken and used for these purposes, please advise the photographer at the time.

Cost

$25 for Registrants
$10 for Students
$45 for Non-Registrants/Guests

If you are bringing a guest, please advise us of their name and dietary concerns for catering and seating.

If you are a Student, select the "Student" checkbox below.

If you are a Non-Registrant of BCIA, please check the Non-Registrant box below.

Please advise of allergies or dietary concerns when you register.

This event is now fully booked. Contact Jasmine Wong, PPDC at PD@bcia.com to go on a waitlist.