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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-07-24, Page 3Wednesday, July 24, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 3 New funding to protect species at risk and engage community in watershed improvement Kathryn Forrest QMI Agency The Ausable Bayfield Conser- vation Authority will receive over $300, 000 In federal funding for projects to revitalize local water- sheds by improving water qual- ity, preserving coastal habitat, and protecting endangered 4Ikspe- Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb ounced last week. The Ausable Bayfield Conser- vation Authority (ABCA) will receive $225, 000 over three years for its Ausable River Recovery Strategy, which aims to protect and foster the recovery of the riv- er's at -risk species. $75,000 will be allocated to this program per year starting in 2014. According to ABCA board member Burkhard Metzger, the Ausable River is home to 20 aquatic species identified as endangered under the Species at Risk Act, including six species of mussles that "help clean the water and gives us valuable information about the health of this water resource." The ABCA will also receive $120, 310 for the implementation of the Lake Huron Georgian Bay Framework for Community Action, which aims to build awareness about local water- sheds and engage communities in restoring and protecting thein. "ATI this community engage- ment really is geared to getting actions on the ground that make the improvement in addressing water quality," said ABCA Healthy Watershed Supervisor Mari Veliz. A watershed plan is in devel- opment, and the most effective way of engaging people is dis- cussing with individuals how they can take action on their own properties, said Veliz. "Its talking to people about how do we address the problem so their needs are being met and the ecosystem's needs are being met as well," said Valiz. "It's a balance.' The funding for the Lake lluron Georgian Bay Framework for Community Action will be used to address rural storm water management and the Kathryn Forrest OMI Agency Huron -Bruce MP Ben Lobb and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority board member Burkhard Metzger announce funding. continuation of their watershed planning initiative, she said. The Ausable Bayfield Conser- vation manages the protection and restoration of the the Ausa- ble River, Bayfield River, Parkhill Creek, and the gullies between Bayfield and Grand Bend that drain into Lake I iuron, according to its website. "The fish are smaller in Lake I luron than they used to be," said Lobb during his announcement. "()ne of the reasons is the feeder fish. Anything that we can do upstream to help the quality and the size of feeder fish to help the spawning and activities of the prize fish, we should do it." 'Ihe funding for these projects will come from Environment Canada's Ecosystem Initiatives program and 1-labitat Steward- ship Program for Species at Risk. Playhouse recieves $500 donation � OPP Report from Welcome Wagon rep Grandfather charged with possession On Wednesday July 17th at , around 2:50 p.m., a Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) marine officer was on patrol on Lake 1-luron, west of the Central Huron shore, where he observed a boat tow a tube with no spotter in the boat. dilie officer pulled the OPP lne unit along -side the offending vessel. It was deter- mined that the 55 year old male operating the vessel, a Ash- field-Colborne-Wawanosh Twp. resident was the grandfa- ther of the 14 year old boy being towed In the tube. There was no additional person on the offending vessel to be the spotter for the tubing teen- ager. The grandfather was sub- sequently charged with "tow - Ing a person without a spotter" (a violation under the Canada Shipping Act). He was issued a $305. ticket. The OPP officer also ques- tioned the grandfather about the odour of freshly burned marihuana in the boat. The grandfather handed over a small amount of marihuana to the officer. Ile was issued an Appearance Notice for the offence of "possession sched- ule II cannabis marihuana - under 30 grams", and is sched- uled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Goderich on August 26, 2013 to answer to this charge. OPP RAISING RED FLAG 'Ihe West Region Ontario Pro- vincial Police (OPP) is raising a red flag to all four and two wheeled vehicle operators to drive safer. This warning comes after Middlesex OPP investi- gated another fatal collision today that killed a 4th motorcy- c1e operator in less than two weeks. ()PP investigated motorcycle collisions on July 4, 6, 11, 13 and 17th. Two of the collisions were attributed to driver error on the part of motorcycle oper- ator, while three were attrib- uted to driver error on the part of the other driver. Regretta- bly and regardless of who is at fault, drivers of motorcycles usually end up with serious injuries, or are killed during collisions. Police are warning operators of all vehicles to be on the lookout for each other. Drivers of automobiles must take a few extra seconds to check their surroundings and look for motorcycle drivers. Checking your mirrors and blind spots frequently will help to ensure safe travels. Drivers of motorcycles must drive safely and defensively. Operators should always antic- ipate the actions of other driv- ers and never assume that other drivers are aware of their presence. Anticipating the driving actions of another vehi- cle and planning an escape route are essential safe driving techniques for all motorcycle drivers. Riders should always look well down the road for other motorists or objects on the roadway and be extra care- ful approaching all intersections. New riders are well advised to take a motorcycle safety training course before ever ven- turing out onto the roadways. Driving on Ontario highways is a shared responsibility for all drivers. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring our highways remains safe for all users. Huron Country Playhouse received a $500 donation from Faye Van Oss on behalf of the Welcome Wagon last week. Van Oss has been involved with the Wel- come Wagon for over 10 years, and was named the organization's 2012 Repre- sentative of the Year for her dedication and hard work. As part of the reward, Van Oss was given $500 to reinvest in the cause of her choice. Van Oss has been attending shows at the Playhouse for five years, and the Playhouse wilt he a naming seat "C1" in the mainstage theatre in her honour. Kathryn Forrest OMI Agency Faye Van Oss hands Huron Country Playhouse facility manager Kelly McNeely a cheque for $500.