The historic city of Kingston, Ontario, will soon play host to one of the largest gatherings of conservationists in Ontario with over 400 delegates expected to descend on the city for what is certain to be an event marked by much controversy and debate.
Speaking to the many issues affecting fish and wildlife management in Ontario, Ministry of Natural Resources Parliamentary Assistant Toby Barrett will launch the main conference agenda for the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) Annual General Meeting and Wildlife Conference at 9:15 a.m. Friday Feb. 22
Following Mr. Barrett, O.F.A.H. Fisheries Biologist Dave Brown will discuss the uncertain future of the Bay of Quinte walleye fishery. Brown, a respected scientist, will offer insight and solutions for the decimated fishery that just a few short years ago was considered world class if not the world’s best.
Friday’s line up of hot topics will also include Ministry of Natural Resources Enforcement Branch Supervisor Dave Harnish speaking on Moose Watch, a new initiative to target poachers in Ontario’s boreal forests. David Ramsay, Liberal Caucus Chair and Natural Resources Critic for the official opposition, will speak to some of the contentious issues in fish and wildlife management.
Capping the afternoon is Vaughn Collins reporting on a recent Ipsos Reid poll on public attitudes toward hunters and hunting. Most certainly there will be some surprises in this report.
He’s used to getting up bright and early, and he’s, without question, one of North America’s most recognizable faces on the water and on television. The legendary Red Fisher will kick off events Saturday, February 23 with his views on conservation. Red will also be signing copies of his new book Tight Lines and Tall Tales.
Up next is M.N.R.’s John Johnson speaking about party hunting rules for big game hunters.
Then, the spotlight shifts to Metis Nation of Ontario President Tony Belcourt on Saturday afternoon as he speaks to the issue of Metis rights. Recent court rulings have opened the door for Metis people to hold status rights to harvest fish and wildlife.
Bringing a simmering conference to full boil will be a full-fledged leadership forum among the top candidates for the job of leader of the provincial progressive conservatives and the Premier of Ontario. Fish and wildlife concerns will most certainly be of paramount importance to attendees.
As well, the conference will feature constitutional law expert and legal champion for the return of the spring bear hunt in Ontario, Tim Danson, who will be keynote speaker at the Saturday evening banquet. After a three year record of nuisance bear incidents, a dramatic rise in orphaned cubs and a host of other problems, Mr. Danson will outline the case that challenges the legality of the provincial decision to wipe out the spring bear hunt in Ontario.
In addition there will be awards for outstanding conservation efforts in Ontario, hunter education, great food, entertainment and more.
The four-day conference, the 74th in O.F.A.H. history, returns to Kingston after an absence of over 33 years. Established in 1928, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is Canada’s oldest and largest provincial conservation organization with over 83,000 members and 620 Member Clubs.
For more information about the conference or other O.F.A.H. activities please contact O.F.A.H. Communications Specialist Mark Holmes at 705-748-6324, fax to 705-748-9577, or e-mail ofah@ofah.org