Author: theoutdoorsguy

The following is a Press Release from the OFAH:

 Conservation partners celebrate two millionth milestone: Atlantic salmon restoration effort is enhancing biodiversity in Lake Ontario

 In a fitting lead up to The International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, conservation partners working to “Bring Back the Salmon” to Lake Ontario will stock the ceremonial two millionth Atlantic salmon into the Credit River. The May 20 event will take place at the Belfountain Conservation Area in the village of Belfountain, with the Honourable Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources, assisting in the release.

Since 2006, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) have been leading the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program (LOASRP) with the support of more than 50 partners. The goal is to bring the extirpated (locally extinct) Atlantic salmon back to Lake Ontario, where they were once abundant.

“As conservationists, we recognize the value of biodiversity to our lives, so it is fitting that during the International Year of Biodiversity, we are achieving this significant milestone,” said Mike Reader, Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. “With the continued support of our partners, we are optimistic that Atlantic salmon will once again thrive in Lake Ontario and its tributaries.”

“Today is a good day for biodiversity, a good day for Atlantic salmon and now we have two million reasons to celebrate,” said Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey. 

The LOASRP has received major sponsorship from Australia’s Banrock Station Wines, with a $1.25 million commitment over the first phase of the program, and from the LCBO, who have contributed $250,000 over the same time frame.

“Banrock Station Wines is proud to play a role in this important conservation initiative, and with our partners, we are pleased to celebrate the achievement of two million fish released,” said Banrock Station Winemaker Paul Burnett.

“The Atlantic salmon restoration project is the cornerstone of LCBO’s Natural Heritage Fund and part of our broader environmental commitment,” notes LCBO President and CEO Bob Peter. “Today’s milestone shows what can be achieved when conservation organizations, business and government work together.”

Program partners also include the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association, Fish For Ever Foundation, Fleming College, Trout Unlimited Canada, Credit Valley Conservation Authority and several other conservation authorities, community groups and private landowners.

Event:          Stocking TWO MILLIONTH Atlantic salmon in a Lake Ontario tributary

Date:           May 20, 11:00 am – noon

Attending:   Honourable Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources, major partners, political representatives, and other VIPS

Location:     Belfountain Conservation Area, 10 Credit Street, Belfountain (Caledon)

Map:     http://www.creditvalleycons.com/recandleisure/maps/belfountain.pdf

With my father, brother-in-laws and I set to embark on our 21st Annual trip north on Friday morning, in search of the wily brook trout, I’d say I’m about giddy as a school girl right now.. 

Keeping a tradition alive for 21 years – especially a fishing one – isn’t always an easy task. Even when you’ve found a great spot and have spent a dozen or so years going there, things do have a way of changing over the years. 

The key is learning to adapt and making all decisions as ‘a group’. So long as we continue to catch a few fish, have a nice spot to camp, enjoy a friendly game or two of horse-shoes and have a good time, then all is right with the world.

Sure, we went through years when the fish weren’t biting and years when they were practically jumping in the boat! Other times when the flies were bad and things would go awry, and then times when everything was a smooth as butter.

I think the important thing is just getting out there and doing it! By calling it a ‘tradition’ – as much a cliché as it is – I find you do your utmost to keep things alive.  In today’s day and age, it is important to have the few days each year to unwind and relax in the splendour that is the Great Outdoors. 

For all of you out there who do it, you’ll know what I mean. There’s just something special about being outdoors with family and friends in the magical time of rebirth. 

I’d have to say, though, if the flies’ do turn out not to be bad, the fish are hitting big time, and the Habs are still on the radio, that would ok too..

Outdoorsguy

  Ok, I know I’m opening up a proverbial hornets nest by doing this, but what do you really think about the cancellation of Ontario’s spring bear hunt?

It’s springtime, right? Shouldn’t Ontario hunters be allowed to pursue black bears in spring – at a time when they are meant to be hunted, and are more easily managed?

 Quebec does it, in fact, their spring hunt gets under way next weekend. Does that province have so many MORE bears than Ontario; they can justify both a fall and spring hunt?

 Sadly, it seems that Ontario bears are being managed now on a ‘nuisance’ basis..as has been pointed out by many on the Outdoors Guy Blog.

 Do we really need to have disaster hit close to home, or another year with half a dozen or more deaths from bear maulings, before something is done about it?

I have seen animal right’s groups spew out stats on how the closure of the spring hunt has had little effect on the black bear population in Ontario, and black bear-related encounters. We all know that is BS!

 And we all know what effect the closure has really had, and I think it’s high time we lobby towards getting things back to the way they were in 1998 – before the spring hunt was shut down!

Ok, here’s a question to all:  If reinstating the Ontario Spring Bear Hunt meant some modification to the fall bear season (as in QC) would you support it?

Please drop me a line with your thoughts. It is that time of year, after all, when this topic is on everyone’s mind.

Outdoorsguy