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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2009-04-16, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2009.Ontario’s Ministry of NaturalResources has set out its plans forthe population management of theprovince’s cervid species – deer, elk,caribou and moose. Based oninformation contained in the ministry’s Cervid Ecological Framework document, Ontario farmers and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture have much to be concerned about. Elk represent a significant predation problem for farmers in certain areas of the province. For a period of years in the late 1800s and early 1900s, elk disappeared from Ontario. That prompted the provincial government to start up elk herds in four areas of Ontario with animals from the Elk Island National Park in Alberta. When the Ministry of Natural Resources undertook this restorationproject, there were no populationmanagement plans in place. As aresult, the elk population in theBancroft area has gone from 200animals to more than 500 in an eight-year period. Farmers in that area have experienced a dramatic increase in damage to their crops and farms, and the law doesn’t provide them with any means of protecting their farms. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has been working with affected farmers, hoping to convince the provincial government that changes are needed to protect farmers and their ability to farm successfully. When the province posted its Cervid Ecological Framework on the Environmental Bill of Rights registry, OFA recognized a numberof danger signs for farmers with thegovernment plans.A letter from OFA to theEnvironmental Bill of RightsRegistry calls for a number of changes and corrections to statements contained in the ministry’s document on cervid management. “Ongoing experience indicates that human-elk conflicts will occur where re-introduced elk come in contact with existing farm operations,” the letter states. OFA’s letter refers to “troubling omissions or oversights” in the ministry’s documents dealing with human-elk conflicts in areas known to have active agricultural operations and elk populations which have been re-introduced. OFA, in its submission to the Environmental Bill of RightsRegistry on the topic “categoricallyobject to any suggestion that elk beconsidered in this (Zone E3) area” –an area of modern and intenseagricultural operations in southern Ontario. “Ongoing experience indicates that human-elk conflicts will occur where re-introduced elk come in contact with existing farm operations,” OFA’s submission states. We express appreciation for the ministry’s ongoing but incomplete efforts to address white-tailed deer population management, mitigating damage to crops by these deer. This is accomplished by special hunts when their numbers exceed the ability of the natural landscape to sustain them. Farmers understand these animals require regular feed,and when the natural supply isinsufficient for the population ofdeer, the farmer’s field is convenient.Unfortunately, in the case of elk,the ministry has not given approval for an organized hunt, and farmers are not authorized to use any means to eliminate the animals from their properties. OFA’s report to the EBR posting “demands that work begins immediately on an elk management plan that includes how and when hunting will begin, how farmers and other rural property owners can protect their property from marauding elk, and includes compensation for elk damage.” Visit OFA’s website for a link to the EBR postings. Farmers should comment on the EBR postings. When women go to their hair salon in April, they may wind up talking to their stylist about an important topic: preventing breast cancer. Public health units in Southwestern Ontario are working together with select hair salons on a project called “Be a Breast Friend”. The campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of breast health. The Huron County Health Unit is taking part in the promotion. “Salons are places where women have time to talk and socialize with their stylist,” says Karen Bergin-Payette, public health nurse. “Clients trust and listen to their stylists.” During the month of April at participating salons, stylists will be handing out “Be a Breast Friend” information packages to interested clients. Stylists will also be encouraging women age 50 and older to call the Ontario Breast Screening Program to book a mammogram. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Ontario. For women age 50 and older, the risk of breast cancer increases. Finding breast cancer early improves treatment options and survival rates. A mammogram is a breast x-ray that can find changes in the breast even when the changes are too small to feel. Haley says unfortunately many women fail to have regular mammograms. What Every Woman Should Know • Be aware of how your breasts normally look and feel. Talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner about any changes. • Ask a doctor or nurse practitioner to examine your breasts every one to two years. • If you are between the ages 40 and 49, discuss with a doctor or practitioner whether you need a mammogram. • Women age 50 and older should have a mammogram at least every two years. Women can book their own appointment by calling the Ontario Breast Screening Program at 1-800-461-0640. No doctor’s referral needed and there is no cost. • Reduce your risk of breast cancer: be a healthy weight, eat well, be active, limit alcohol, live smoke- free and be screened. 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Excavators, Bobcats, Dozers, Trucking, etc. COMPLETE EXCAVATING CONTRACTOR Derrick VanDriel 519-522-0609 • Gravel • Sand • Stone JAMES BROWN PHARMACY 198 Josephine St., Wingham, Ont. 519-357-1629 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 - 6 Sat. 9 - 4 Rear Parking Available Delivery available Heartland Realty Independently Owned & Operated, Brokerage For all your Real Estate needs call salesperson Don Allen 519-523-9125 (H) www.rlpheartland.ca 519-523-9060 cell# 519-440-2139 40243 Winthrop Rd., Londesborough Kelly Boven • natural/precast stone installation • sodding, reseeding, turf management • garden design and installation • tree plantings, maintenance and sales Residential Landscaping design & construction $5 off your first service call; offer expires Dec. 31st, 2009 Darryl Kuepfer 519-347-2792 5463 Perth Road 155 RR #2 Monkton offering fast, professional service repairs on all major in-home appliance COVERING ALL YOUR CARPENTRY NEEDS CASEY BOVEN Blyth 519-523-4757 • New Homes • Replacement Windows & Doors • Renovations • Soffit & Fascia • Decks • Additions • Trim • Hardwood Flooring BILL’S SALVAGE AND AUTO SALES TOWING AND REPAIRS Bill Stevenson 43579 Michael’s Rd. 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