O.F.A.H. Zone J
Annual Meeting
Sept. 16 & 17, 2006
Kent Cloverleaf Conservation Club
29 members present
Meeting called to order by Felix Barbetti, Chair at 9:10 a.m.
Welcome to all extended by Chair, Felix Barbetti.
Russ Piper is not feeling well and Doug Elliott has suffered a minor stroke.
Both are recuperating and we extend our best wishes to them.
Our gratitude is extended to Marilyn Troutechaud and Bill Feltis for inviting us to the
Kent Cloverleaf Conservation Club this weekend. A Special Welcome to John Ford,
President of O.F.A.H. and to his wife Valda.
Wilf Cassidy, Secretary/Treasurer lead the Conservation pledge.
My Canada Video was played and a Moment of silence was observed for our friends who are
no longer with us.
Marilyn Troutechaud, president of Kent Cloverleaf Conservation Club welcomed OFAH Zone
J.
Everyone in attendance introduced himself or herself and the sign-in sheets were passed
around.
Minutes of Zone J Quarterly meeting of April 2, 2006 read and moved by Secretary/Treasurer Wilf
Cassidy.
2nd Mike Mueller
Errors, Omissions, Corrections, Additions: none noted
Carried
Financial Report:
Written report read by Secretary/Treasurer Wilf Cassidy. (See attached)
Financial report moved by Secretary/Treasurer Wilf Cassidy 2nd Don McCuish
carried
Auditors Report dated March 24, 2006 was read.
Assurances were given that this past years financials are in order. Wilf
Cassidy moves to accept the Auditors Report.
2nd Alf Marinelli carried
Zone J Quarterly meeting will be held in January 2007 at the Oxford Fish and Game Protective
Association. We are still looking for a home for the April Quarterly meeting. If your club would be willing to hold this meeting for us, it would be the first Sunday
in April. Please let one of your Zone Executive know.
Zone J 2007 Annual Meeting will be held at the Brant Rod & Gun Club.
Continued O.F.A.H. Zone J
Annual Meeting
Sept. 16 & 17, 2006
Chair Report by Felix Barbetti
Thank you to all who are in attendance today.
See attached written report for details
Felix Barbetti moves his report
2nd Tony Jackson carried
1st Vice Chair Report by Tony Jackson
Please
see attached written report.
Tony Jackson moves his report.
2nd Wilf Cassidy carried
10:15 am break for coffee.
Dan Elliot, MNR
Sunday Hunting – the best place to obtain the latest information on where, what
and when you can hunt can be found at www.mnr.gov.on.ca and as well as in the Hunting Regulations. There are additional areas open/closed
to hunting that can be found on the MNR website or by calling the MNR.
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Sunday
hunting is NOT allowed in municipalities that have no discharge on Sunday laws
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All
game that has an open season can be hunted EXCEPT Migratory birds in WMUs 73 to 95
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The
Sunday that is open is the Sunday following the weeks’ hunt, not the Sunday preceding it
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Archery
hunters cannot hunt on Sunday in a WMU, which has an open Sunday gun season in an area that prohibits archery during a gun
season. Archery is regulated by WMU not township regs.
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Please
put your municipality in touch with Dan Elliot, MNR – he will assist them in reaching the proper Wildlife Specialist
Ring Neck Pheasant:
These birds were introduced to Southern Ontario in 1896 and listed as an Ontario game species in 1922. Populations peaked from 1920 to 1940. Pen reared pheasants
rarely survive a winter – they are used mainly for “put and take”.
Ontario Outdoor writers proposed rehabilitation of Ring Neck Pheasant in 1997.
Ontario MNR concurred and discussions ensued.
210 birds were translocated from Saskatchewan to Ontario
from 2001 – 2004. 120 were released in Lambton
County and 90 in Elgin
County. These two counties
had no known ring necks for up to 10 years.
These birds have been monitored since 2002 via radio telemetry, winter tracking, crowing call counts, mail cards, posters
and public comments. These birds have dispersed, bred and recruited offspring. They have been doing reasonably well and over 190 have been seen.
The success full translocation does not imply the establishment of a sustainable population. OMNR and OFAH want to conduct population surveys in fall/early winter snow to identify fall/winter habitat
ranges and spatial distribution. The estimated budget for this survey is $25,000. The OFAH has been asked for $20,000.
The Hungarian Partridge was virtually wiped out in Eastern Ontario in the 1998 ice
storm. They depend on getting thru the snow to feed and the ice crust on the
snow caused them problems.
Bob White Quail population suffered greatly during the harsh winters in the 1970’s. There are still some wild populations in some states.
Continued O.F.A.H. Zone J
Annual Meeting
Sept. 16 & 17, 2006
Dan Elliot, MNR, continued
Springbank Dam:
City of London must monitor
the situation for 5 years.
This year, white suckers, shorthead redhorse, largemouth bass and walleye were monitored. The telemetry study showed a 90% passage. The
migration study showed the dam should close no earlier than June 15th. The
peak flow of larvae fish was from June 2n to June 6th. A fish ladder
only passes about 15% of the fish.
Ken Capling, Champion Moose Caller
Ken shared his passion for Moose with us. He
taught us specific moose calls, both bull and cow calls as well as shared his favorite hunting experiences.
Dave Brown, OFAH Fisheries Biologist
Dave has been with the OFAH seven years. He
attended a seminar in Lake Placid with 2500 professionals from all over North America. Your OFAH is a unique North American organization due to the diversity of projects
undertaken.
Invasive Species Program is a multifaceted public education and awareness program.
Research Unit does province wide research and enhancement projects focusing on practical
management-oriented research.
Community Stream Steward Program assists in recruiting, training and enabling dedicated
industry and community organizations to participate and take leadership in restoring the health of community streams, dedicated
to cold water streams. To date, over 100 projects have been completed.
Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration has gained many corporate sponsors including Australian
Banrock Station Wines who has dedicated $1.25 million over 5 years.
This a long-term partnership with the OFAH, MNR and many industry partners dedicated
to improving habitat, stocking, assessing and providing public education about Atlantic salmon.
Community Fish & Wildlife Conservation Biologist Jeremy Holden is available to work with
clubs to assist them by providing technical advice on their conservation projects. Jeremy
can be reached by email at jeremy_holden@ofah.org.
Get Outdoors is a youth conservation and leadership program with over 50 clubs province
wide.
Ontario Angler Awards is a recognition program for anglers
Ontario Family Fishing Weekend is a license free fishing weekend to encourage families
to get out and fish.
OFAH Tackle Share has over 125 sites across the province that loans out tackle.
Continued O.F.A.H. Zone J
Annual Meeting
Sept. 16 & 17, 2006
Dave Brown, OFAH Fisheries Biologist, continued
Lake Erie has seen an increase in walleye populations with
a huge 2003-year class – some say it’s the best in over 20 years. Felix
Barbetti, Russ Piper and Alf Marinelli represent the OFAH on many committees managing Lake Erie
fisheries. They have been instrumental in establishing net-free waters in the
east and Long Point
Bay areas as well as developing the East Basin Management Plan last year. They are currently lobbying for a conservative approach to commercial fishing.
Fishing Regulation Streamlining by the MNR who calls it an “ecological framework”. The new fishing regs would see 20 divisions instead of 37. This is a centralization effort to large-scale management. OFAH
has been very vocal in protesting this new framework because the zones are too big, there is no vision or plan from the fisheries
section and the decisions seem based on political reasons, not ecological reasons.
The OFAH position is that this regulation change should be delayed until it is completed
properly. It is not comprehensive enough and may hurt tourism.
Ringwood Hatchery is 110 acres of forest, meadow, wetlands and a 4-acre pond. This is an excellent location for a youth education area. The
OFAH will be the proud operators of this hatchery anyday now. A Draft MOU with
MNR is ready for signing for a 5-year term that will see the OFAH lease the facility for $1.00 per year and the MNR commits
to no further cuts to fish culture programs for 5 years.
M.O.E.E. Certificate of Approval has forced clubs to obtain a permit to discharge water
from their hatcheries with permit costs exceeding $10,000. The OFAH is currently
trying to have these fees waived.
If you would like the OFAH to be aware of your club’s activities, please send a
photo with the club’s name and contact information to Robert Pye at Head Office.
He can call you and conduct an interview over the telephone.
Also, please let Head Office what is happening in your backyard. Sometimes they don’t hear of all of the issues facing our clubs.
12:00 hours we break for Lunch.
1pm – bus leaves for a tour of Rondeau
Park.
Brian Patterson and President, Rick Turner of the Rondeau Bay Water Fowlers guided us
thru the marsh. The Rondeau Bay Water Fowlers have about 150 members who’s
volunteer efforts maintain, improve and repair the waterfowl areas. Some of the
most interesting things we learned while touring the 7 km trail:
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Over
160 wood ducks were banded this year.
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The
observation platform at the end of the 400’ boardwalk looks out over one of the largest coastal wetlands in Southwestern Ontario
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About
25 yrs ago, the MNR sprayed weeds and unfortunately, a lot more. The bay was
severely damaged. Today, the fishing has rebounded somewhat but there are no
Muskies
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The
MNR leaves the park vegetation very natural
Continued O.F.A.H. Zone J
Annual Meeting
Sept. 16 & 17, 2006
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The
park is a winter herding area for deer
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At
the end of trail is a Barrier Free Blind built by the volunteers of the Water Fowlers
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Blinds
are available for rent for a reasonable fee - $10 for members, $15 for non-members
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Rondeau Bay Water Fowlers will take anyone out hunting waterfowl,
just give them two weeks notice
The Rondeau Bay Water Fowlers keep track of the waterfowl taken during each hunting season. Here is a brief summary of some of the species taken recently:
2002
2003
2004
Canada Goose
80
164
161
Bufflehead
35
15
16
Ring Neck
19
16
22
Greater Scaup
66
27
63
Lesser Scaup
41
29
61
Wood Duck
52
76
109
Canvasback
5
5
21
Wigeon
152
144
264
Blue Wing Teal
51
36
30
Pintail
169
217
69
Black
121
104
117
Mallard
632
575
780
Joe, our bus driver, had us back to Kent Cloverleaf about the same time the Companions
Program returned. The Companions Program toured a Winery and the Underground
Railroad Museums of North Buxton.
16:00 hours – meeting resumes
Report by 2nd Vice Chair Bruno Vanden Berghe
Eight to ten shows a year are attended by Bruno to keep the Federation’s name and logo out there. Bayfest in Port Rowan suffered bad weather. Last week the
Farm Show saw rain again but sales were $3,700 and three new memberships were obtained.
Many thanks go to Don & Muriel Fairbairn and to Felix Barbetti for assisting set-up.
The Plowing Match is in the Peterborough area this
year.
Bruno
Vanden Berghe moves his report. 2nd
Wilf Cassidy
carried
Alternate Director Report by Len McPhail – see written report attached
This report was written prior to the most recent Montreal shooting at Dawson College.
We hope Mr. Harper stays the course with abolishing the long gun registry.
Len McPhail moves his report
2nd Bruno Vanden Berghe carried
Continued O.F.A.H. Zone J
Annual Meeting
Sept. 16 & 17, 2006
Fisheries Reports by Alf
Marinelli - See written report attached
The commercial Harvest of walleye this year is about 7.5 million pounds. They
are just under half of the quota at this date.
This year class is again poor so this is 3 years in a row for a poor hatch. Anglers
feel that with the recent poor class years, the quotas should have been decreased. Come
next spring, they probably will see a decrease in quotas but it is probably too late.
Alf Marinelli moves his report 2nd Bill
Feltis
carried
Director in Training Report
by Kathy Moore –see written report attached
2nd Wilf Cassidy
carried
Nominations Committee
– Alf Marinelli
Anyone interested in running or nominating anyone for a position, please let Alf know.
The only qualification besides dedication is that you must be a member in good standing with the OFAH for one consecutive
year.
Old Business: none
New Business: none
Wilf Cassidy moves to adjourn until tomorrow at 9am.
2nd Bill Feltis
carried
O.F.A.H. Zone J
Annual Meeting Continuation Sept.
16 & 17, 2006
Chair, Felix Barbetti called meeting to
resume at 9:00 am.
Last evenings dinner speaker was John Ford,
President of O.F.A.H. Mr. Ford gave a wonderful presentation about the Atlantic
salmon restoration project.
Mr. Ken Capling continued his Moose calling
presentation. We were certain we’d have a moose coming to visit.
The winner of the Moose call donated
by Mr. Capling was Jackie Marinelli.
Business Arising from yesterday’s
Meeting: none
Chair Felix Barbetti declared the business
of this Executive now closed.
He thanked his Executive for their hard
work and dedication. Mr. Barbetti stepped down and handed the floor over to Alf
Marinelli, Nominations Committee.
Alf Marinelli read the Responsibilities
of the Zone Executive to everyone and entertained questions.
Continued O.F.A.H. Zone J
Annual Meeting
Sept. 16 & 17, 2006
Alf Marinelli called for Nominations for
the Chair from the floor.
Felix Barbetti agreed to continue his position
for another year.
2nd Call for nominations for
the Chair position from the floor.
3rd and final call for nominations
for the Chair.
Nominations are closed
Felix Barbetti is acclaimed as Chair.
Alf Marinelli called for Nominations for
the 1st Vice position from the floor.
Tony Jackson agreed to continue his position
for another year.
2nd Call for nominations for
the 1st Vice position from the floor.
3rd and final call for nominations
for the 1st Vice.
Nominations are closed
Tony Jackson is acclaimed as 1st
Vice.
Alf Marinelli called for Nominations for
the 2nd Vice position from the floor.
Bruno Vanden Berghe agreed to continue
his position for another year.
2nd Call for nominations for
the 2nd Vice position from the floor.
3rd and final call for nominations
for the 2nd Vice.
Nominations are closed
Bruno Vanden Berghe is acclaimed as 2nd
Vice.
Alf Marinelli called for Nominations for
Secretary/Treasurer from the floor.
Kathy Moore agreed to run for this position.
2nd Call for nominations for
Secretary/Treasurer from the floor.
3rd and final call for nominations
for Secretary/Treasurer.
Nominations are closed
Kathy Moore is acclaimed as Secretary/Treasurer
Alf Marinelli called for Nominations for
the Alternate Director position from the floor.
Len McPhail agreed to continue his position
for another year.
2nd Call for nominations for
the Alternate Director position from the floor.
3rd and final call for nominations
for the Alternate Director.
Nominations are closed
Len McPhail is acclaimed as Alternate Director.
Louis Barnai and Doug Elliot have both
agreed to run for the position of Auditors.
Alf Marinelli called for Nominations for
the Auditor position from the floor.
2nd Call for nominations for
the Auditor position from the floor.
3rd and final call for nominations
for the Auditors.
Nominations are closed
Louis Barnai and Doug Elliot are acclaimed
as Auditors.
The floor is turned over to returning Chair,
Felix Barbetti.
Immediate Past Chairs are Alf Marinelli
and Wilf Cassidy.
Continued O.F.A.H. Zone J
Annual Meeting
Sept. 16 & 17, 2006
Felix Barbetti extends a Thank you
to all members. Please keep in touch with your Executive.
Bill Feltis of the Kent C
