Ripple Outdoors Hunting and Fishing Podcast

Linda Jeffrey, M.P.P. for Brampton-Springdale, takes the helm as the new Minister of Natural Resources

As part of the provincial cabinet shuffle announced Monday, Linda Jeffrey, M.P.P. for Brampton-Springdale, will take the helm as the new Minister of Natural Resources. “We welcome Minister Jeffrey to the post, and look forward to working with her on matters of mutual importance to her ministry and Ontario’s anglers and hunters,” said Mike Reader, Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.). “When it comes to the sound conservation management of our fish and wildlife, and respect for our heritage traditions, the Minister will have no greater ally than one of the province’s largest stakeholders, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.”

The appointment of a new minister is the third significant change at the Ministry of Natural Resources (M.N.R.) in recent months. Last fall, the ministry lost a good portion of its forestry responsibilities to Northern Mines and Development; and last week, the Deputy Minister announced a major organizational realignment.

The O.F.A.H. believes the minister is coming onboard during a particularly challenging period for the M.N.R., but recognizes that she is not new to the workings of government. Though this is her first time in the role of minister, Ms. Jeffrey has represented the Brampton-Springdale riding since 2003. She has served as a Parliamentary Assistant under several ministries including Transportation, and has chaired two Standing Committees.

With over 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 660 member clubs, the O.F.A.H. is the largest nonprofit, charitable, fishing, hunting and conservation-based organization in Ontario, and the voice of anglers and hunters. For more information, visit www.ofah.org.

Government Recognition For Ontario’s Conservation Officers

Twenty-eight conservation officers from across southern Ontario are receiving Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medals in recognition of 20 years of exemplary service.

Awarded under the authority of the Governor General’s Office, this is the first year that Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers are eligible for the medal. Six of the 28 conservation officers also received an additional bar in recognition of 30 years of service. Conservation officers are law enforcement professionals trained to protect the province’s natural resources and have powers of inspection, arrest, search and seizure under various statutes.

An additional 47 conservation officers are being recognized at similar events across the province this fall.

QUICK FACTS

Canada’s Exemplary Service Medals recognize the men and women dedicated to preserving Canada’s public safety through long and outstanding service.

The Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal was created by the Governor General in June 2004, to recognize peace officers who have served in an exemplary manner, characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency.

Conservation officers enforce a range of statutes, including the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, Small Vessel Regulations, Liquor Licence Act and Fisheries Act.

TO LEARN MORE

Find out more about the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal at www.gg.ca.

See a list of the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medals Award recipients.

Learn more about the role of a conservation officer at ontario.ca/conservationofficer.

MNR Press Release – Ontario Seeks Public Input On Elk Management

The Ontario government is looking for feedback on a proposed plan that will help support a healthy and self-sustaining elk population.

After disappearing in the 1800s, elk were reintroduced to four areas of the province a decade ago. Over the last 10 years, the Ministry of Natural Resources and its partners have focused on re-establishing and monitoring the species in Ontario.

The draft Elk Management Plan marks an important milestone: a progression from restoring the herds to managing them sustainably. The draft plan includes goals and objectives for managing elk and their habitat, and addresses issues such as climate change, predators and societal interests.

The draft Elk Management Plan has been posted on the Environmental Registry and comments will be accepted until January 7, 2010. The final plan is expected to be released in spring 2010.

QUOTE

“The successful restoration of elk to Ontario is due in large part to the tremendous support and contributions of our partners. We are now seeking input into an Elk Management Plan that will guide the next phase of sustainable elk management in Ontario. “

– Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources

QUICK FACTS

Elk disappeared from Ontario in the late 19^th century due to unregulated over-hunting and pressure from human settlement.

A total of 443 elk from Alberta’s Elk Island National Park were released in Ontario as part of a multi-partner restoration program.

Wild elk now live in four areas of the province: near Lake of the Woods, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and Bancroft.

TO LEARN MORE

Read and comment on the draft Elk Management Plan on the Environmental Registry (ontario.ca/environmentalregistry), Registry Number 010-8381.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) 7^th annual Kid’s Fish Art Contest is looking for your artwork or image.

This fall is your chance to show off your artistic talents, and learn about Ontario’s native fish and their habitats!

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, along with its corporate sponsors, will hold its 7th Annual Kids’ Fish Art Contest from October 1 to December 18, 2009, when our contest species will be the rainbow trout and the lake whitefish. The winning design will be used for the 2010 Young Angler’s Licence.

The 2009 contest entry form  www.ontario.ca/fishartcontest

Atlantic salmon and channel catfish were the official fish of the 2008 contest. Our judges were looking for artwork that depicted these fish in their natural habitat. The winning design appears on the 2009 Young Angler’s Licence.

Have a look at the winning entries from the 6th Annual Kids’ Fish Art Contest!

Prizes to be Won!

Three grade-group winners (grades four to six, seven to nine and 10 to 12) will be selected. Each grade-group winner will receive a $1,000 savings plan provided by Investment Planning Counsel – The Weichel Team.

Other prizes include:

STAEDTLER Mars products for classroom use

A complete set of fishing gear from Lucky Strike Bait Works.

In addition, an overall winner will be chosen and will receive a four day fishing excursion courtesy of Red Pine Wilderness Lodge (Lady Evelyn Lake), a one day fishing trip with Canadian Sportfishing Television Show host Italo Labignan, and a Canadian Sportfishing Jacket and Hat.

To get your artwork submitted www.ontario.ca/fishartcontest

AS a Field Editor with Ontario OUT OF DOORS Magazine I’m fortunate to be able to hunt and fish all over Ontario.

On one assignement for Ontario OUT OF DOORS I traveled north to Kapuskasing to fish the Groundhog River system for Ontario giant Sturgeon. My guide for the trip was David  Barbour a biologist with the local MNR.

Over a few days we mangaged to catch a lot of fish and enjoyed some spectacular scenery along the river.

Check out my trip