TSC August report

Temagami Stewardship Council
News Release

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The regular monthly meeting of the Temagami Stewardship Council was held in the newly refurbished boardroom of the Temagami Municipal Building on Monday, August 27th.

In Correspondence items, it was noted that Temiskaming - Cochrane MPP, David Ramsay, has still made no reply to requests since February 8th to mediate the disagreement between the TSC and the MNR. Copies of the MNR’s Fisheries Management Zone 11 Report and the Consultation Results were distributed for review. These reports are also available on the TSC webpage. Letters from former Conservative Minister of Natural Resources, Jerry Ouellette, thanking the TSC for input on natural resources issues and presenting the Conservative platform on natural resources were discussed. Emails received which congratulated the Stewardship on the successful completion of the Aston Creek Spawning Area construction project were shared with the group. The Chairman also gave an update on the status of the Ombudsman’s inquiry into the treatment of the TSC by the MNR.

The financial report from Mark Johnson was followed by a slide show reviewing the construction of the new walleye spawning area which took place on August 14, 2007, on Aston Creek by the TSC and volunteers from member organizations. A sincere thanks to the volunteers from the Fish Hatchery, the Lodges, the Permanent Residents, OFAH Zone C, Temagami, and MNR North Bay. This project was financed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada with Caldwell Sand and Gravel donating part of the cost of the bolder material.

The election of officers of the Temagami Stewardship Council for 2008 was tabled until the September meeting because the Directors present felt that more than a minimal quorum should be present for an election. A lengthy discussion followed in which each member had the opportunity to voice ideas as to how the Stewardship should move forward. Continuing to provide an opportunity for community involvement in the management of our natural resources, expanding the Stewardship to the boundaries of the Municipality of Temagami, and expanding the Stewardship focus to more than fish and water were some of the ideas brought forward.

All Directors approved the support document titled “Review of Projects and Activities of the Temagami Stewardship Council - 2007” which was presented. The ensuing discussion regarding this document provided an opportunity for the Directors to be updated on current projects and activities as well as being briefed on projects that are still in the planning stage. This TSC 2007 Review is available on the webpage at www.temagamistewardship.ca

The next meeting of the TSC will be held on Monday, September 24th, in the Temagami Municipal Building.

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