OFAH welcomes Ontario Power Generation as New Lead Sponsor

OFAH FILE: 842
May 17, 2011

OFAH welcomes Ontario Power Generation as New Lead Sponsor
OPG signs on to historic conservation effort to “Bring Back the Salmon”

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) is pleased to announce that Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has joined the Bring Back the Salmon program as the new lead sponsor. Program partners marked the occasion today on the banks of Duffins Creek, with the release of the three millionth Atlantic Salmon into a Lake Ontario tributary. The program is working to restore a wild, self-sustaining population of Atlantic Salmon to Lake Ontario and its tributaries, where the fish once thrived.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ontario Power Generation to the Bring Back the Salmon program. Their contribution will allow this significant biodiversity initiative to continue raising and releasing Atlantic Salmon, improving habitat, conducting research and educating school children about Ontario’s rich natural heritage,” said Mike Reader, OFAH Executive Director. “Through the generosity of Ontario Power Generation and our many valued partners, we can continue working to bring naturally reproducing populations of Atlantic Salmon back to Lake Ontario waters. Together, we believe this incredible feat can be accomplished.”

“OPG is proud to be partnering with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters to help restore Atlantic Salmon in Lake Ontario. This partnership is an excellent complement to the many fish and wildlife protection programs we have in place across the province,” said OPG Executive Vice President, John Murphy.

As part of its commitment to the environmental dimension of sustainable development, OPG will contribute $250,000 to the program annually over the next five years. Through the four R’s of biodiversity conservation, Retaining, Restoring, Replacing habitat and Recovering a species of historic significance, OPG will support the stocking or more than 3.5 million young fish, the completion of more than 40 habitat projects and the delivery of hands-on environmental education to youth. There are already many positive signs that the program is succeeding, including adult Atlantic Salmon returning to their home streams and reproducing in the wild.

“Releasing the three millionth salmon is a significant milestone that could not have happened without the help of the more than 40 generous partners and hundreds of volunteers who have donated countless hours in the effort to see Atlantic Salmon flourish in Ontario once again,” said Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources.

Since 2006, the OFAH and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources have jointly led Bring Back the Salmon, in partnership with a wide range of supporters including government, corporate partners, nonprofit organizations, conservation authorities and landowners. The LCBO is contributing $250,000 over five years and Banrock Station Wines and a new sponsor to Phase II, TD Friends of the Environment, are each contributing $50,000 this year.

For more information about this historic restoration program, visit www.bringbackthesalmon.ca or www.opgbiodiversity.ca.

With over 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 670 member clubs, the OFAH is the largest nonprofit, charitable conservation-based organization in Ontario, and the voice of anglers and hunters. For more information, visit www.ofah.org.

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