Change is the only constant. And the Wilderness Committee is no exception. 

Over the past nine years, I have had the privilege to collaborate on the leadership of the Wilderness Committee as a member of the Executive Team and as Co-Executive Director with campaign leader and mentor Joe Foy — the organization’s first staff member from back in 1988. As of Nov. 1 of this year I have taken on the role of sole Executive Director. This same day, Joe began his “semi-retirement” at the age of 65.

I think we all know Joe can never completely retire from being one of BC’s leading wilderness advocates. After working tirelessly the past 30 years to protect the Stein Valley, Carmanah-Walbran, Clayoquot Sound, Elaho Valley and numerous others, Joe is moving to a part-time position as Protected Areas Campaigner. It’s a title and position that means he’ll continue to bring his passion and expertise  defending at-risk wild places like the “Donut Hole,” an unprotected wilderness area surrounded by Manning and Skagit provincial parks, and standing up for the at-risk northern spotted owl.

In order to help me fill Joe’s immense shoes and ensure we continue leading effective wins for wilderness and wildlife, I am pleased to announce the promotion of Vancouver Island Campaigner Torrance Coste to the position of National Campaign Director. Torrance has spent the last seven years leading the organization’s forestry work on Vancouver Island, fighting to end old-growth logging, ban raw log exports and promote a sustainable forestry industry that recognizes Indigenous rights and title.

Check out this short tribute video we made.

I can’t wait for what’s ahead. Together with our passionate staff team and board and thousands of supporters like you who share our passion and values for a healthier environment and climate, we will ensure the Wilderness Committee remains one of the leading grassroots environmental groups in Canada.