From The Editor

Welcome to the latest issue of In The Trenches, CSPI’s online news magazine, and my first as Editor. In The Trenches is published to help keep our members and colleagues working in soil/water management apprised of news and information related one or more of our industry sectors. And remember, we want ITT to be a dialogue with its readers, not a lecture. Accordingly we welcome and encourage your input, story ideas and suggestions. Please forward them to me at rjwilcock@cspi.ca.
 
Since assuming the role of CSPI Executive Director from Dave Penny in July of this year, it has been an extremely rewarding experience. During the transitional period Dave was a terrific mentor; now that he has assumed the role of Director Emeritus, he will continue to be an important part of the CSPI team, albeit on a limited basis. I could write a book on Dave's life and accomplishments in this industry, but for now, I’ll just say thank you Dave, for all your efforts, insights and help.
 
This issue of ITT features several stories on innovative approaches to problem solving in environmentally sensitive situations. First, we report on how CSP helped the City of Guelph avoid a protracted road closure, when a portion of an important artery collapsed within a protected wetlands area. And we’ll also update you on a project to develop herpetofauna passages to protect wildlife, other than fish, who live in and around water. These innovative CSP herpetofauna passages will facilitate easier, safer passage for frogs, toads, snakes and reptiles.

Lastly, we’ve added three more locations – one in B.C. and two in Ontario – to our growing list of Seeing Is Believing, an ongoing CSPI mapping initiative to provide details regarding the chemical characteristics of soil and water at locations throughout Canada.
 
As time passes, our industry friends come and go. Mike Calas, a long-time friend, passed away this year‎. Mike was one of a kind. I had the pleasure of working closely with Mike for over twelve of his 50+ years in the industry. Our industry was a huge part of Mike's life, and among his colleagues he was affectionately known as the ‘King of Muskoka’ among his industry contacts. Mike will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
  
And, finally, a farewell to another industry friend: After many years in the business, Simon Perdue retired from Armtec this year. Simon was simply wonderful to work with and was an ambassador for our industry in the Peterborough and throughout eastern Ontario. Best wishes to both Simon and Joan for a long and happy retirement!
 
Ray Wilcock

Editor, In The Trenches
Executive Director, CSP