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Ontario boasts over 80,000 km in trails. Whether you're in downtown Toronto or North of Superior, we have a trail for you. The Ontario Trails Council is a registered charity, led by volunteers who promote the development, management, use and conservation of Ontario's trails. You'll find everything from gentle walking trails to rock faces for climbing and water routes to canoe and kayak.
Showing posts with label Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Ontario Trails News - Ontario User Group Poster Series - get yours in today!
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Ontario Trails News - OFAH promote youth getting outdoors, and find your favourite Ontario trails!
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Find your favorite Ontario Trails! |
March 18, 2015 11:09 ET
OFAH Youth 'Get Outdoors' This Weekend
PETERBOROUGH, ON--(Marketwired - March 18, 2015) - Eighty youth from across the province will come together at the OFAH Get Outdoors Youth Leadership Conference this weekend in Orangeville to learn about Ontario's outdoor heritage. Whether they come from the country or the city, each of these youth has a common passion to "get outdoors."
With the theme of "Reaching New Heights," participants will have the opportunity to push themselves while indoor rock climbing with the help of the trained staff at Boulderz Climbing Centre in Etobicoke.
On Saturday, participants will head to the Dufferin Northern Peel Anglers & Hunters Association for an action-packed day on the ranges. With one-on-one instruction from qualified instructors, participants will take part in trap shooting, rifle shooting and archery and then bolster their fishing skills with a fly tying demo and invertebrate identification.
Media are invited to attend the day, which includes terrific video and photo opportunities. Event highlights will also be posted on Facebook and Twitter (#OFAH15).
Date & Start Time: March 21, 2015 - 9:30 a.m. sharp
Where: EASY TO FIND -- Dufferin Northern Peel Anglers and Hunters Association, just north of Orangeville, located at 246147 Dufferin Road 16, Orangeville.
Where: EASY TO FIND -- Dufferin Northern Peel Anglers and Hunters Association, just north of Orangeville, located at 246147 Dufferin Road 16, Orangeville.
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) launched the Get Outdoors program in 2002 to inspire more youth involvement in hunting, fishing and conservation. This national award-winning youth conservation program puts the emphasis on promoting our outdoor heritage through first-hand exposure and is the only one of its kind in Ontario. The Youth Leadership Conference is held in conjunction with the 87th OFAH Annual General Meeting and Fishing & Wildlife Conference. For more information visit www.getoutdoors.org.
With over 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 725 member clubs, the OFAH is the largest nonprofit, fish and wildlife conservation-based organization in Ontario. For more information, visit www.ofah.org.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Monday, February 9, 2015
Ontario Trails News - find your favorite Backcountry and camping trails, and GRCA-OFAH dinner April 11
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Find your favorite Backcountry and Camping Trails! |
GRCA-OFAH dinner is April 11
By Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland Today
Amazing artwork is just one aspect of auction items you can look forward to bidding for at the 26th annual Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority-Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters conservation dinner and auction on April 11. Submitted Photo
COBOURG - Mark Saturday, April 11, on your calendar for the 26th annual Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority-Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters conservation dinner and auction at the Lions Community Centre in Cobourg.
Each year, some 300 people gather for an evening of great food, raffle draws, and live and silent auction in support of a worthy cause. This year's auction items range from hand-sculpted art and framed prints to VIA Rail weekend get-aways and wine packages.
Each year proves to be very successful, with proceeds supporting the outdoor-education programs at the Ganaraska Forest Centre.
More than 8,000 students visit the Elizabethville site each year for a variety of programs, ranging from outdoor-survival skills to alternative energy, all taught by certified instructors and all meeting the Ontario educational curriculum.
As well, public programming is held year-round for visitors of all ages from the surrounding communities.
Tickets for this special evening are $70, and must be purchased in advance. Those who purchase tickets before March 11 are eligible to be included in an early-bird draw.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, call the GRCA at 905-885-8173 or visit www.grca.on.ca.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Ontario Trails News - we share views about the Ontario Endangered Species Act, Go Snowmobilng Week Announced
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Learn more about Ontario's Hiking Trails |
GreenView: Statements On Re-Introduction Of Invasive Species Act
Includes Statements from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters; Ontario Invasive Plant Council; Invasive Species Centre
OFAH Applauds New Invasive Species Act
PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 5, 2014) - The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) congratulates the provincial government on the re-introduction of the Invasive Species Act and its commitment to combat invasive species in Ontario.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) announced this morning that it would be re-introducing the legislation, which was originally introduced in February but was a casualty of the provincial election.
The act is intended to provide a framework to prevent, detect, eradicate, and manage invasive species that impact the natural environment or economy and can have a detrimental effect on our valuable fish and wildlife populations.
The OFAH is home to the Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP) and works in partnership with the MNRF to provide a program of public education and information on invasive species. The ISAP works to promote early detection of both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species, with the aim of preventing the introduction and spread of these species into sensitive ecosystems.
"I am pleased the Ontario government has re-introduced the Invasive Species Act, a positive step in the fight against invasive species," OFAH Executive Director Angelo Lombardo said. "The sale, movement and importation of invasive species in Ontario are serious concerns. This legislation will provide the minister with the much needed tools to immediately react when a new species or threat is identified."
If passed, the legislation would make Ontario the first and only jurisdiction in Canada with standalone invasive species legislation. It would give the MNRF more comprehensive inspection powers to determine compliance with the law, introduce a suite of enforcement provisions and penalties and give inspectors the right to take samples and prohibit movement that may result in the spread of invasive species.
"Invasive species have already impacted our lakes and woodlands, and the potential long term economic impact is staggering," explains ISAP coordinator Matt Smith. "The cost of not addressing this threat to our environment and the economy can be measured in the billions of dollars."
Ontario's Invasive Species Strategic Plan recognizes that stakeholders such as the OFAH have a key role to play in the management of invasive species and we are pleased to partner with the Ontario government on this important initiative.
For more information go to www.ofah.org or www.invadingspecies.com. With 100,000 members, supporters and subscribers, and 720 member clubs across Ontario, the OFAH is the VOICE of anglers and hunters and Ontario's largest and oldest fish and wildlife conservation organization. Visit us on Facebook (ofah.org/facebook) and follow us on Twitter (@OFAH).
The Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) Supports Re-introduction of Invasive Species Act
PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 5, 2014) - The Ontario Invasive Plant Council is pleased to support the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry upon the re-introduction of the Invasive Species Act.
"Invasive species, their impact and removal costs, detract from Ontario's economy to the tune of millions of dollars each year", said Iola Price, President of the Ontario Invasive Plant Council. "Recreational trail managers and users find the paths impeded by overgrowths of the invasive shrubs Glossy Buckthorn and Common Buckthorn and by the invasive Dog-strangling Vine. Staff and volunteers spend countless hours and resources to ensure public access to our natural areas. Forest managers must also expend resources to free forests and forestry plantations from of Dog-strangling Vine and Garlic Mustard - both of which can cause extensive ecological and economic damage. And public health authorities are well aware of the problems caused by skin exposure to Giant Hogweed and Wild Parsnip" she noted.
The Ontario Invasive Plant Council looks forward to working with Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry staff as the legislation and regulations move through the House over the coming year.
The Ontario Invasive Plant Council, founded in 2007, provides a coordinated response to the growing threat of invasive plants in Ontario. The OIPC is a multi-sector, non-profit organization made up of representatives from Conservation Authorities, academic institutions, First Nations, private consultants, industry and environmental nongovernment organizations, as well as all levels of government. The Council is committed to collaborative efforts between organizations and citizens in order to more timely and effectively respond to invasive plants.
For more information, visit our website www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca.
Invasive Species Centre Applauds Ontario for Reintroducing Invasive Species Legislation
SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 5, 2014) - The Invasive Species Centre commends the Government of Ontario for reintroducing much-needed legislation that will help to prevent introduction and slow the spread of invasive species in the province.
The proposed Invasive Species Act, reintroduced in the provincial legislature on November 5, 2014, will help to priorize those invasive species that pose the highest risk to Ontario's environment and economy, provide new regulations and penalties to help deter the introduction and spread of these species, and help to bring down silos that get in the way of stakeholders working together efficiently and effectively. Once passed, this legislation will give Ontario new tools and authority to ban activities such as possessing and transporting certain high risk invasive species. It will put mechanisms in place to support preventative measures and address urgent threats.
"Ontario is showing tremendous leadership with this new legislation, and is the only jurisdiction in Canada to propose such a comprehensive package of tools to proactively address invasive species," said Dilhari Fernando, Executive Director, Invasive Species Centre. "Invasive species threaten Canada's environment by altering natural spaces and endangering the species that are native to our regions. Imagine a Canada where fall colours are a thing of the past or where we can no longer take our families canoeing or fishing in our lakes and rivers. This could be our reality if we don't act to address the threats posed by invasive species."
"Invasive species are expensive to manage and cause losses for the forestry, fishing and tourism industries while also chipping away at the urban forests in our cities. Ontario's investment in this legislation will reap savings over time," said Fernando. "Prevention and response have a cost, but it is not as high as managing the economic and environmental fall-out of invasive plants, insects or fish once they become established in landscapes and waterways."
In Canada, there is no single entity that is responsible for invasive species prevention and control. The responsibility is widely shared, and distributed, across all levels of government, not-for-profit groups, volunteer organizations, academia and others. "Invasive species are an invisible threat, meaning that the current level of awareness among Ontarians is quite low. We need to better engage the general public and get them excited about how they can contribute to preventing invasive species," said Fernando. "This legislation will help to build momentum to more fully involve the private sector, students and teachers, and families across Ontario in playing an important part in invasive species control."
Since April 2011, the Invasive Species Centre has invested almost $4.3 million on over 150 projects in natural and applied science, innovation and technology transfer, education and outreach on invasive species. This work forms an important part of Ontario's efforts to prevent the introduction of new invasive species and to proactively manage those species that have established to minimize their negative economic and environmental impacts.
About the Invasive Species Centre:
The Invasive Species Centre is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that connects stakeholders, knowledge and technology to prevent and reduce the spread of invasive species that harm Canada's environment, economy and society. The Invasive Species Centre: brings together experts; supports, coordinates and leads projects; and communicates findings and outcomes to prevent the spread of harmful invasive species. Visit our website at www.invasivespeciescentre.ca.
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Author: Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ontario Invasive Plant Council; Invasive Species Centre
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BARRIE—Following Ontario’s best snowmobiling winter in years in 2013, the not-for-profit Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and its member clubs are officially launching the 2014-15 snowmobiling season with Get Ready To Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week, November 24 to 30. The new season celebration starts as club volunteers are hard at work clearing, preparing and signing over 30,000 kilometres of OFSC trails to welcome snowmobilers back.
Although OFSC trails are not available for snowmobiling at this time, early indicators are very positive for a great snowmobile season ahead, with long-range forecasts predicting a cold, snowy winter and many parts of the province already experiencing below zero temperatures and early snowfalls. With the cooperation of Mother Nature, some OFSC trails could be available for limited riding around Christmas so snowmobilers are advised to check the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide for the latest updates at www.ofsc.on.ca.
With 2015 permits already setting new sales records, Get Ready To Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week invites more Ontarians to discover the family fun of organized snowmobiling, plus its many social, health and recreational benefits. Get Ready Week is also the cue for OFSC snowmobilers to start making their Ontario ride plans and preparing their sleds and gear. As well, this special week marks the final days that Seasonal and Classic Snowmobile Trail Permits are available at pre-December 1 savings. Permits can be bought online at www.ofsc.on.ca.
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Farmers care about conserving species at risk
Guelph Mercury
By Owen Roberts
Farmers take it on the chin for what their detractors consider to be unfriendly environmental practices, such as using pesticides on crops and raising livestock in close quarters.
Of course, the reason farmers use modern production methods is to try to keep production up and the price of food down. Despite gains made with local food in helping society recognize the importance of agriculture, the need for farmers to be profitable is still not well understood.
A part of farmers' efforts to maximize production involves using their existing land to the greatest degree possible.
In earlier times, that led to what some farmers would learn later were poor environmental decisions, such as clearing away forests and native habitat on their lands, growing crops on land they weren't suited for, and letting livestock get too close to waterways.
Those times have changed. Farmers recognized they had to get out in front of these practices, or answer to the public, perhaps via the government and imposed legislation. Even though whatever practices they were engaged in were on their own land, they still had a high degree of public accountability.
That led to the development of a variety of tools, including voluntary, peer-reviewed environmental farm plans, as well as an emphasis on sustainability management practices by groups such as the Guelph-based Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association.
Now, conservation is part of farming's culture. Agriculture has embraced it, as shown by results of a new survey that underlines farmers' environmental mindset.
The survey, answered by 250 Ontario farmers, centred around producers' attitudes towards species at risk, including wildlife such as the bobolink which likes to nest in farmers' hayfields.
For example, more than half of the respondents said they would feel "lucky," "proud" or "pleased" to actually find species at risk on their property.
And over 60 per cent of the respondents say they want to protect species at risk.
That runs counter to the perception that some farmers would ignore these species if they found them on their property, because it might interrupt or interfere with critically timed production, especially around planting or harvest.
That said, farmers still feel like old perceptions exist among some members of the public. More than 90 per cent of the respondents think people are unaware of how species at risk affects farmers. And most believe the lion's share of environmental conservation responsibility falls on them.
I believe that's true. Odds are any species found to be at risk are unlikely to call highly populated areas home. Either that, or they'll have left areas where urban sprawl is occurring, to find more environmentally friendly confines – such as farmers' fields.
It's an additional social responsibility for farmers. And regardless of whether they accept it willingly (which seems to be the case) or begrudgingly, they don't feel supported.
But maybe that's partially a lack of communications.
"Farmers' commitment to species at risk isn't understood by the public," says Christine Schmalz, senior environmental programs coordinator with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, which conducted the survey. "We need to communicate it better."
The association administers a species at risk incentive program on behalf of the province. It covers up to 80 per cent of the cost of projects in which farmers engage to protect species at risk, or provide habitat. Administrators are currently reviewing more than 60 applications for projects such as riparian preservation or restoration projects, fencing and planting native species.
Says Andrew Graham, the association's executive director: "Farmers do care about species at risk. They're willing to take action where reasonable, and practical."
Owen Roberts teaches agricultural communications at the University of Guelph. His column appears Monday. You can also check out his Urban Cowboy blog at www.guelphmercury.com.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Ontario Trails News - news and activity information from all over Ontario's 2600 trails!
Ontario Trails Council Website Refresh - some hints
On the new website we showcase over 1800 trails. Did you know that we now receive alerts from users when they comment on a trail?
Each trail profile page has a facebook dialogue box in which users leave comments. Now when a post is left we are alerted at the office and we'll let you know what folks think about your trail!
On the new website we showcase over 1800 trails. Did you know that we now receive alerts from users when they comment on a trail?
Each trail profile page has a facebook dialogue box in which users leave comments. Now when a post is left we are alerted at the office and we'll let you know what folks think about your trail!
Ontario Trails Council Supports Youth Programs
We are pleased to announce that the OTC is assisting in the provision of youth programs in 6 different parts of Ontario this season. 3 areas are highlighted below.
Georgian Bay Biosphere - Lessons in a Backpack
The main goal of the program is to create opportunities for local teachers and students to explore their home in the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve and engage in outdoor-based learning activities. To facilitate this goal, Lessons-In-A-Backpack are developed based on the Ontario curriculum guidelines using areas immediately surrounding local schools
as outdoor classrooms.
The Lessons-In-A-Backpack reflect what is readily obervable in our natural environment, allowing students
to have hands-on experiences with the topics covered.The Lessons-In-A-Backpack program is partnered with the Near North District School Board and is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.Programs include guided hikes on the Rose Point Trail, supported by the Parry Sound Rotary Club and Seguin Township. View a 3 minute video of a local grade 9 class out on the trail: http://www.cottagecountrynow.ca/videozone/812549. Here you will find lessons created for the Lessons-In-A-Backpack program - lessons that reflect the unique natural environment of our area. Please share your own lesson plans to help develop this resource base.
Credit
Valley Conservation
Take part in outdoor education programs that envelope the learner in all the senses of the outdoor classroom. From Soundscape Hikes to Eco Quests, these hands-on programs connect students
to the Ontario Curriculum as well as what’s happening in their backyard.Teachers can further link their outdoor experiences with follow up in-class lessons designed to extend their learning. These full day programs take place at Terra Cotta Conservation Area (map), in the newly renovated Watershed Learning Centre.
Discover programs that will incite students’ curiosity and encourage hands-on, inter curricular learning, linking Science and Technology, Health & Physical Education, Arts and Language and Social Studies
in the outdoor classroom. Pre and post activities provided will complement your outdoor experience.Lake Simcoe Region Conservation AuthorityOur educational outreach programs offer unique learning opportunities to schools
and community groups within the Lake Simcoe watershed. From three-dimensional watershed models, visuals and maps to interesting hands-on activities, students and other participants learn about the importance of conserving our shared natural environment and what they can do to make a positive impact.
Scanlon Creek Field Trips - Outdoor spaces make great learning places
Located just outside Bradford, Ontario, the Outdoor Education Centre at Scanlon Creek specializes in curriculum based, outdoor education programs for students and teachers of York Region and Simcoe County.Visit Scanlon Creek
If you can't come to us, we'll come to you! A Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Education Specialist will come to your class or community group meeting.
Find out more about classroom visits
| OFAH Tackle Share Program Offered Through The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority
PORT HOPE – The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA), in partnership with the OntarioFederation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) is ...
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| Cobourg Bike Week Runs From June 1 To June 8
(Cobourg, Ontario - May 12, 2014) The Bicycle Action Committee of Sustainable Cobourg (www.sustainablecobourg.ca) is sponsoring Cobourg Bike ...
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This Victoria Day weekend keep safety in mind on roadways, waterways and trails
Officers from the Sudbury and Espanola Detachments of the Ontario ... The OPP is committed to having a sustained presence on Ontario's trails.
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Fleeing ATV driver involved in collision
WEBBWOOD – On May 11, 2014 at 8:30 p.m. officers from the Espanola Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting patrols ...
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ONTARIO TRAILS MOBILE one of 12 MUST HAVE APPS
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