OFAH congratulates Harper government for increased funding to Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership

OFAH FILE: 842
February 12, 2014
For Immediate Release

OFAH congratulates Harper government for increased funding to Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), the largest non-profit charitable fish and wildlife conservation organization in Ontario, applauds the federal government’s decision to substantially increase the funding to the highly successful Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program by providing an additional $15 million over two years.

The Program was created in 2013 to provide funding support for local projects that directly benefit the conservation of recreational fisheries habitat. The funding allows partners to work together to pool their resources and leverage additional funds in support of projects that will protect and enhance Canada’s recreational fisheries.

“Recreational fishing in Canada generates over $8 billion in annual economic activity, and the expansion of this program will allow for dozens of new projects across the country to become a reality,” said OFAH Executive Director Angelo Lombardo. “The OFAH Community Stream Steward Program was fortunate enough to receive funding that has been used to mitigate barriers to fish passage, stabilize banks, and enhance habitats in cold-water trout and salmon streams. Ours was one of 96 projects from across Canada funded in the first year of the program. The new funding provided by the Harper government will provide more of the same on-the-ground tangible results in local communities that might not otherwise be possible.  Applications for year two of the original program are currently being reviewed.

“This innovative funding program recognizes the importance of recreational fishing in Canada.  We look forward to working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to refine the criteria for funding eligibility and to ensure that other important areas of their Fisheries Protection Program, such as the recent changes to the Fisheries Act, will help protect and enhance our valuable fisheries for current and future generations to enjoy,” said Lombardo. 

With over 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 710 member clubs, the OFAH is the province’s largest nonprofit, fish and wildlife conservation-based organization, and the VOICE of anglers and hunters. For more information, visit www.ofah.org