Marine Planners Wanted!

Have you ever wanted to step into the exciting world of marine planning? Of course, how can you resist? The meetings, the discussion, the lengthy papers to read... Alright, so it isn't exactly a glamorous occupation. But starting this week, you can help shape the future of your coast without the day-to-day drudgery that professional marine planners endure.

 If you live along the BC coast between Campbell River and Alaska, you have the unique opportunity to provide your input into the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA) marine planning process. The Pacific North Coast what? PNCIMA (pronounced pen-SEE-ma) is a rather unfortunate name for one of the most beautiful areas in the world, which encompasses the northern half of the BC coast including northern Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii. Over the past year, government, First Nations, and local communities have been working to develop a plan for using these waters that protects the spectacular diversity of marine life which call them home.
Now it's your turn to let your voice be heard in the first in a series of forums that will be held every six months over the next two years. Check the listings below, to find a meeting in or near your community:

Campbell River Maritime Heritage Centre 621 N Island Highway March 2nd, 2011; 6-9 p.m.	Port Hardy Providence Place Inn 7050 Rupert Street March 3rd, 2011; 6-9 p.m.
Kitimat Kitimat Valley Institute 1352 Alexander Avenue March 7th, 2011; 6-9 p.m.	Prince Rupert Crest Hotel - Skeena Room 222 1 Avenue West March 9th, 2011; 6-9 p.m.
Skidegate Skidegate Community Hall Front Street March 10th, 2011; 6-9 p.m.	Bella Coola Bella Coola Valley Inn 442 Mackenzie St March 14th, 2011; 6-9 p.m.

Can't make it to any of these? Through the wonders of technology, you will now be able to tune in to a webcast of the March 9th meeting at pncima.org. You can also visit this address to learn more about PNCIMA and the upcoming forums.