The June General Meeting will be a Swap Night, Demonstration Night, Hot Dog Night and will be licensed. Plan to attend this last meeting before the summer break.
 

DATES TO REMEMBER!!!
 

JUNE 12TH BEEF BAR-B-QUE Contact Donna Maher at 372 2503 for tickets or information.

Prices for tickets: Adults $8.50; Children 6 to 12 $4.50; 5 and under free.

JUNE 12TH, 100 BIRD SPORTING CLAY SHOOT, Contact Bill Beamish at 794 3317 to register, only the first 16 get to shoot. 

JUNE 25TH, 26TH AND 27TH, Y.A.P CAMP OUT WEEKEND, ALL RANGES CLOSED!!!

WORK NIGHTS!!

Work nights will be Every Wednesday Night. . Work will start at 5:00 pm or as soon as you can get there. . Remember, many hands make light work.

Gord Maher and Dave Arnold

Property Committee Co-Chairpersons
 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Unfortunately many of our members are unable, for various reasons, to attend the monthly meetings at our clubhouse. Thus the club newsletter is a very effective and important means of communicating to them the tremendous and important amount of natural resource management work being carried out by the SSA as well as the many other club activities that are being promoted.

However most of these many programs and activities take a lot of time and "people power" and the chairpersons of each i.e. fisheries, hatchery, wildlife, social, youth and shooting ranges etc. are always in need of some extra assistance. Please seriously consider getting involved; I will guarantee you will feel better for doing so and the SSA will be a stronger organization for it! It is my feeling that our monthly meetings could be a little more meaningful and interesting and as such I would very much welcome any suggestions that you may have in this regard.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer in all your activities and I hope to see you at the Beef Bar B Que, Trap and Steak nights and the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular.

Richard Manley, President Sydenham Sportsmen's Association
 

YOUTH ACTIVITIES PROGRAM

HELP WANTED!!!

Juniper Project Stream rehab.

July and August. Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Sat.'s from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Kid's Fishing Day Need boats and supervisors.

Campout June 25, 26, and 27. All shooting ranges will be closed.

Kid's Fishing Day is July 24. Rain date July 25.
 

Please call to register for these events.

Gord 372-2503

Gord Maher, Youth Activities Program

SSA FISH ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT

The following hatchery projects are slated to get started on the last week of May, or the 1st. week of June; Removal of the stacker tanks, and the building of an office space in its place. New hatching tanks and circular tanks relocation in the large hatchery. Painting the inside of the hatcheries. Meeting with the Weaver family concerning the new bridge construction and then start the bridge building

The purchase of the egg picker will be held off until early in September. CFIP approvals have been received from the MNR for the following SSA fisheries projects; Glen Juniper property, Frank Coulter property, Clark side spawning channels, Brown trout hatchery program, Rainbow trout hatchery program, Chinook salmon hatchery program, and the Minniehill Creek project. On April 21, seventeen SSA members stocked 14,999 year plus Skamania, the average weight of each fish was 50.9 grams. On April 22, twelve SSA members stocked 49,983 eleven month old rainbow trout, the average weight of these fish was 15.6 grams.

SSA crews are now finished operating the Mill Dam fishway. We operated it from March 30, to April 30. Final fish numbers have not been tabulated yet, but the overall picture looks really good. We even got a speckled trout! SSA crews also collected our 125,000 rainbow trout eggs for our hatchery during the operation of the fishway. The FAC have been notified that 20 rainbow trout are stranded in Keefers Creek, also Doug Murdoch reports that rainbow are also stranded in Maxwells Creek. Hopefully we'll get rain soon, so we won't have to rescue them. We hope to get student helpers again from the Conservation Authority. If we don't, a summer SSA crew will need to be formed to take care of the hatchery, (125,000 rainbow trout, plus grass cutting).

On Monday May 10th. Debbie Walsh from Thunder Bay moved her crew into the SSA hatchery to fin clip (LV) our 225,000 chinook salmon. We found the weighs of our chinook to be from a low of 2.9 grams, to a high of 6.5 grams. Coy Currie , myself, and MNR staff will be at the SSA hatchery during the fin clipping process to make sure everything goes okay. We estimate that the crew of seven ladies will be fin clipping for at least two weeks.

The Scenic City Order of Good Cheer will be requesting the SSA for a letter of support to make arrangements with the MNR for the stocking of upwards of 20,000 F1 Splake into the waters of Owen Sound Bay. They will cover all expenses if any occur.

Once again I'd like to ask all SSA members who would like to help out with any of our fisheries projects to give me a call at 376-2369. I'm sure you know, a person gets a good feeling when they put back into the resource which they so much enjoy.

Fred Geberdt, Chairperson, Fish Advisory Committee
 

WILDLIFE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Sydenham Sportsmen's Firearms Instructors will be putting on a firearms possession license course on August 4th through 7th, inclusive. If necessary, there will be an additional 2 nights added for Hunter Education. Note that there will be no more courses until after the 1999 hunting season. We have room for 8 more people only, so register early. Contact Fred Hunt, 794 0533, Ted Lucking, 372 0263 or Blake Smith, 371 4682.

Almost 2000 trees and scrubs were planted on the Walker property, at the Pottawaomi headwaters. Doug Murdoch supervised and was ably assisted by Rick Murdoch, John Ford, Bob Payne, Fred Hunt, Mike Prevost, Randy and Tyrell Moore, Don Lobban, Darwin and Ryan Beard. Now, the question is, will there be enough rain to keep the trees alive?

There will be on-going wildlife oriented work carried out this summer. I trust that we will get a better turnout of volunteers than we got for the planting.

I hope all our newsletter readers have a good look at the 3 party positions given in this newsletter, to help make an informed voting decision and THEN GET OUT AND VOTE!!

Here's wishing all our fellow Sportsmen and Sportswomen, a great summer.

Blake Smith, Chairperson, Wildlife Advisory Committee
 

The following questions and answers may help you understand the three parties stands. REMEMBER IF YOU DON'T VOTE, YOU CAN NOT BITCH!!
 
 
 

ONTARIO FEDERATION OF ANGLERS AND HUNTERS

A survey of party policies on issues important to anglers and hunters

June 3 Ontario Election promises

It's election time in Ontario, and YOUR PARTICIPATION IS CRITICAL.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is urging all outdoor enthusiasts to take the time to

vote on June 3 Election Day.

The O.F.A.H. has polled the three main political parties for their stance on issues important to

anglers and hunters.
 

This column will provide the second part of a survey that asked each party some very important

questions. ( See last month's column for party policies on Lands for Life, gun control and Hunter

Apprenticeship.)
 

Share this information and use it to make the best possible vote for our natural resources and our

hunting and fishing heritage.
 

1.) If your party forms. the government, will you and your party commit to implementing a

Fish and Game Commission as proposed by the O.F.A.H.?

P. C: We will consider the O. F.A.H. model or one that is similar.

Liberal. We support the implementation of aform of Fish and Game Commission with a broad

diversity of membership.

N.D.P.: No.
 

2.) Will you ensure the Ministry of Transportation regulations are amended so A.T.V.

regulations are more similar to snowmobile regulations, as advocated by the O.F.A.H.?

P.C.: Yes. In fact, we introduced Bill 101, The Red Tape Reduction Act, which treats off-road

vehicles in a manner more similar to snowmobiles. We are committed to this legislation. We will

continue to work with the O.FA.H. and others to address the issue of A. T. V. use and safety. Age

restrictions, licensing requirements, right-of-way, travel locations, and types of vehicles are all

factors that should be considered.

Liberal: For many years, Liberal M.N.R. critic Mike Brown, M.P.P. Algoma-Manitoulin, has

been leading the charge for A. T. Vs to be regulated in a fashion similar to snowmobiles. His

resolution calling for this received all party support in the legislature.

N.D.P.: Our party is open to considering this issue.
 

3.) Will your party commit to work with the O.F.A.H. to change the rules and regulations

surrounding export of fish by non-resident anglers in northwestern Ontario in order to

address conservation concerns and the feelings of northwestern Ontario residents?

P.C.: We agree with a Northwestern Region Fisheries Committee which has recommended

streamlining, modernizing and standardizing fishing regulations in northwestern Ontario. It also

recommended a series offish limits and season changes. The harvest offish by nonresident

anglers was the number one issue during public consultation. There is concern in the

northwestern region that non resident anglers harvest a disproportionate amount offish to the

detriment of the resource, local residents and business.

Liberal: Yes

N.D.P.: In 1993-94, the N.D.P. government first changed the regulations involving the take of

Ontario sports fish (in north western Ontario) by non-residents. We reduced the take by American-

based anglers, and these changes have proven successful in conserving the fish resource. The

changes were implemented after extensive consultation with local angler groups, local tourist

operators, and First Nation representatives. Any further changes to deal with current

conservation concerns should occur with these parties again as they were instrumental in putting

a successful policy in place.
 

4.) Minnesota has enshrined in law, fishing and hunting as a "valued part of our heritage that

shall be forever preserved for the people and shall be managed by law and regulation for the

public good. Will your party commit to angling and hunting legislation similar to the

Minnesota statement?

P.C: Yes. We will commit to developing legislation that recognizes angling and hunting as a

heritage activity, including the continued development of a provincial hunting strategy. We will

also consider a hunting heritage program that includes: an annual hunting heritage day, a

hunting heritage resource centre, and appropriate marketing strategies.

Liberal. Yes. The only element that we would add is that it be managed by law and regulation for

the public good "and ensuring healthy and sustainable wildlife populations."

N.D.P.: Angling and hunting is clearly an important part of the province's heritage as well as an

activity of economic importance. The N.D.P. is interested in discussing the best way to recognize

that fact with the O.F.A.H. and other stakeholders.
 

5.) Will you and your party commit conducting the necessary adaptive management

experiment on Lake Erie to determine whether pulsing phosphorus is a practical approach?

P.C: We believe that a thorough review of target phosphorus concentrations for the lake is

required to consider the issue of phosphorus management. We will work with the O.F.A.H. and

others to review the scientific evidence and benefits of adding phosphorus to Lake Erie.

Phosphorus management involves many agencies and jurisdictions and is international in scope.

The phosphorus management strategy on Lake Erie is being reviewed in forums such as the Lake

Erie Fishery Commission. Our government has been active in dealing with the issue of

phosphorus levels in Lake Erie through these organizations. We commit to working with federal

government on issues, which will benefit from their input, such as phosphorus pulsing in Lake

Erie.

Liberal. Yes, Liberals will support further research on the changing nutrients in Ontario's Great

Lakes and its impact on important fish species.

N.D.P.: There are serious issues which must be addressed to deal with file clean-up of Lake Erie.

These issues, including the matter of how to best maintain a sportsfishery on the Lake have to

be dealt with together to determine the best strategy and for clean up and maintenance of the Lake

and its resources.
 

6.) Will you and your party commit to reviewing the provincial park policy (particularly for

wilderness class parks) with a desire to increase angling and hunting opportunities?

P.C: Yes. We are committed to, enhancing angling and hunting opportunities in Ontario. We have

enhanced angling and hunting opportunities as part of the Fish and Wildlife program.
 

Liberal: We will ensure that as many angling and hunting opportunities exist in Ontario's parks

as possible, while ensuring healthy and sustainable wildiffie populations and preserving unique

biological eco-systems.

N.D.P.: The N.D.P. supports multiple use of provincial parks whenever and wherever possible

(e.g. allow hunting for short seasons after Thanksgiving, when others don't use parks). The

N.D.P. Government introduced the concept of a Conservation Reserve which would allow multiple

uses in certain parks. Unfortunately, M.N.R. cuts have meant that parks and wildlife habitat are

being neglected to the detriment of all users.
 

7.) Will your party commit to reinstating the spring bear hunt?

P.C.: No. The government announced the end of the spring bear hunt earlier this year. This

decision was based on concerns about the spring bear hunt - such as the mistaken shooting of

lactating sows - would be used as part of a campaign to mobilize people against hunting in

general. Moving decisively to deal with this issue, we believe, is in the best interests of preserving

the longstanding hunting rights of all Ontarians.

Liberal. No. We will work with the industry to develop other sources of revenue.

N.D.P.: Given the loss of the spring bear hunt this year and next year too, it will not be possible

to reinstate the spring bear hunt. By that time, tourist operators and outfitters who could secure

other tourism/economic opportunities, will not be able to recover from the decision to cancel it,

and will probably lose their businesses. Clients who came to hunt (mostly American), will go

elsewhere to hunt this year and they will not come back to Ontario.
 

8.) Conservation is the protection, use and management of natural resources to supply benefits

at optimal sustainable levels for present and future generations of Ontarians. Will you

implement this definition of conservation as policy?

P. C: Yes:

Liberal. Liberals support this definition of conservation, but would add that conservation also

includes the management of natural resources to ensure long-term bio-diversity.

N.D.P. Yes.
 
 
 

9.) In northwestern Ontario, M.N.R. has stopped management to supply moose habitat and

instead has authorized large clear-cuts for caribou habitat. Will your party ensure adequate

public consultation in Northwestern Ontario on this M.N.R. proposal?

P.C.: Yes. As demonstrated through the public consultation in the northwest fisheries talks, our

government has been committed to dialogue. This proposal can be referred to the Fish and

Wildlife Advisory Board or the subject for a public meeting in the region.

Liberal. Yes.

N. D. P. Yes.
 

10.) Lands for Life was a recent provincial program to zone and determine permitted uses on

most of Ontario's Crown lands. Will you and your party commit to no losses of public angling

and hunting access or opportunities?

P.C.: Yes. One of the government's key objectives in Lands for Life is to maintain and enhance

angling and hunting and other recreational opportunities on Crown land. Our government

remains committed to enhancing opportunities for angling and hunting in Lands for Life and

overall resource management policy.

LIBERAL: We will ensure that angling and hunting opportunities exist in any newly protected

areas, while ensuring healthy and sustainable wildlife populations and preserving unique

biological ecosystems. Developing new fishing and hunting opportunities will be an important

element in any Crown land use planning exercise.

N.D.P.: Last August, New Democrats urged the Harris government to scrap Lands for Life

because there has not been adequate consultation with the public throughout the process. No

social, environmental or economic impact studies have ever been done to show the effects of tile

Round Table recommendations; and the process has been very divisive in our communities. The

current behind-closed-doors meetings between the Harris government and a handful of

environmentalists and forestry industry representatives (with everyone else excluded) reinforce

our position. We should return to a process of land use planning at a local level, where the

various interests can be represented, they have access to necessary M.NR. information, and they

take the time needed to determine the best use of public land for the whole community.
 

11.) Will your party ensure that the province continues its opposition to long gun registration

and its intervention at the Supreme Court of Canada?

P. C.: Yes. The P. C. Party has supported the challenge and considers the federal registration of

firearm as unnecessarily bureaucratic and costly to legitimate, law-abiding gun owners. We

believe the focus should be on crime prevention and front-line enforcement.

Liberals: No Liberals stand with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police in support of gun

control.

N.D.P. New Democrats believe that the implementation of Bill C-68 should be strictly monitored.

Our Federal counterparts have called for a comprehensive review of gun registration, including

an independent audit. The Federal N.D.P. Caucus has also suggested that the specific concerns

of rural and northern areas be heard in this review.
 

12.) Will you and your party commit to maintain the Provincial Hunter Apprenticeship Safety

Program in its present form?
 

P. C.: Yes, we are committed to enhancing angling and hunting opportunities as part of the Fish

and Wildlife Program.

LIBERALS: We are opposed to putting guns in the hands of l2-year-olds. This is a safety issue.

We believe that our children can still learn and participate in a hunt without firing rifles.

NDP.: We have concerns with the Provincial Hunter Safety Apprenticeship Safety Program and

changes to it would be necessary to address our concerns.
 

13.) Give two or three suggestions on how you would enhance public fishing and hunting in

Ontario.

P. C.: 1.) Continue with the re-introduction of species such as elk, wild turkey, quail and ring-

necked pheasants. 2.) Continue to expand hunting seasons where appropriate. 3.) Increase

marketing of Ontario's outdoor opportunities, within Ontario and globally.
 

Liberal: 1.) Liberals would begin reversing Mike Harris' 2, 100 lay-offs from the Ministry of

Natural Resources, starting with putting more conservation officers back on the job - as called

for by the Provincial Auditor. 2.) Liberals would ensure that licence fees collected from anglers

and hunters go towards conservation and fish and wildlife management - not towards such

schemes as Lands for Life. We would also ensure that government was accountable for how these

fees were spent, The Provincial Auditor has criticized Mike Harris for not releasing a report on

how funds were used for the last two years and for being unable to account for over $5 million

collected licence fees.

ND.P. We need to carry out more frequent population and harvest surveys of all three species in

order to make informed decisions about quotas, hunting tags, and restrictions in management

units. With accurate data in place, we can determine where hunting opportunities can be

enhanced.
 
 
 

The same applies to enhancement offishing opportunities. Increased assessments of a number

of lakes is needed, to ensure staff make informed decisions about harvesting offish stocks. Once

in place, opportunitiesfor greater publicf1shing, can be identified.
 

Secondly, restrictions on the take offish by non-resident anglers in Northwestern Ontario, has

nwrkedloincreasefishpopulationsintheRegion. ThishasresuftedinamoresustainablelocaI

fishery and betterfishing opportunitiesfor resident anglers. This approach should be considered

in other areas oftheprovince where legitimateconcerns existregardingthe take by nonresidents.
 

The realproblem in the area offish and wildlife is that the Harris governmenthas cut the M.N.&

budget by 40% and cut over 2,500 staff. The NAP. is committedto hiring 500 new environmental

monitoring and enforcement officers as a first step to replacing environmental and wildlife

enforcement the Harris Conservatives cut.