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The Citizen, 1991-02-13, Page 2PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1991. Ministry workshop educates group on habitat protection A fisheries habitat protection workshop was held on February 11 at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. The Ministry of Natural Resources held the workshop to provide township representatives with information on legislation and policies govern­ ing any activities that have impact on fish habitat. The legislation is ' binding on anyone working around water including govern­ ment agencies, industry and pri- • vate landowners. The topic has become an important issue with municipalities because of many undertakings they are involved with annually such as: bridge repairs, drain maintenance, and beaver dam removals. About 75 representatives from Huron, Perth, south Bruce and Wellington Counties attended the workshop to learn how to alleviate potential adverse effects on the productive capacity of fish habi­ tats. Mike Malhiot, Fish and Wildlife Supervisor with MNR in Wingham presented the introduction to those assembled. Next Jack Imhof, the Fisheries Rehabilitation Biologist for Southern Ontario explained what fish habitat is and why it is important. During their life, fish require various homes to survive and grow. These include spawning grounds where fish lay their eggs, nursery grounds where young fish find protective shelter and food, migration routes used by fish on a daily and seasonal basis and feed­ ing areas where food is produced and fislj spend their time eating. The removal or changing of any of these habitats reduces produc­ tivity and the chance of survival of fish. The staff of MNR offer advice and assistance to see that proposals do not conflict with provincial and federal laws and regulations. Bob Pegg, a Conservation Officer with Wingham talked to the group about this legislation. The Public Lands Act says that no one can dredge or fill a shoreland or work on any public land without a work permit. The Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act sees that any work forwarding, holding back or diverting water must receive prior approval from MNR. The Canada Fisheries Act states that nobody can carry on work that results in harmful altera­ tion, disruption or destruction of fish habitat without authorization. The Act also says that no one shall deposit a harmful substance of any kind in the water. Conservation Officer Ken Maro- nets and Mr. Malhiot told those gathered of the impacts and work activities that are threatening fish habitat. An accumulation of rela­ tively small impacts can severely affect ecological processes and harm the integrity of habitats. It is important to realize that some impacts are immediate and harmfully alter fish habitat, like dredging for example. Some are viewed as insignificant initially but accumulate over the length of a watercourse and with time harm­ fully alter fish habitat. An example of this is livestock access. Other impacts are removed spatially from the watercourse, but can still have an effect, for example wetland clearing and draining. Landowners planning to work in or around water must obtain a work permit from the MNR. Work may include dredging, channelization, filling, removing rocks, stumps, logs or aquatic plants; building, or reconstructing dams, docks, boat­ houses, and retaining walls. The procedure to obtain these permits was explained by Ron Spurr, a Resource Planning and Land Man­ agement Supervisor with MNR. The process for obtaining a permit is simple, but takes time and the Ministry suggests planning ahead. The first step is to go to the MNR district office or apply in writing for a work permit application form. Once the form is filled out, return it along with a detailed sketch, showing the size and shape of your shoreline property, where the work is to take place and the changes. The application must be signed and dated. MNR staff will then review the application and may visit the site. On approval a work permit will be issued to you. It may have conditions on it and approval may be needed from other agencies, such as the conservation authority, or Ministry of the Environment. Failure to obtain a permit may result in a fine of $5,000, for the first offence, $10,000 for subse­ quent ones and even imprison­ ment. The Fisheries provide for penalties of up to $25,000. In addition the task of restoring and improving the damaged fish habi­ tat may be required. restoring and improving the dam­ aged fish habitat may be required. Even minor localized alteration in or near water can be harmful to fish and wildlife. Following the speakers’ presen­ tations Mr. Malhiot led a question and answer period. OOPS! In the Feb. 6/91 issue of the Citizen, we«used material we were given, which contained an incorrect date and thus published an ad for Country Garden Flowers in Brussels, indicating Valentine’s Day was on Friday. Of course it is Thursday, February 14, 1991. Sorry! We’re celebrating our annual CARPET School winner Jeff Cardiff presents Amy Thomas with the Murray Cardiff Award for the most school points earned at Brussels Fall Fair at the Agricultural Society meeting. and VINYL FANTASTIC SAVINGS ON ALL PLUSH, SCULPTURED AND LOOPED CARPETS AS WELL AS NO WAX VINYL FLOORS. Brussels Legion CARPET AS LOW AS VINYL AS LOW AS People dart Mrs. Eleanor Hemingway at­ tended the baptismal service in Exeter United Church for her great-grandson, Scott Andrew, first child for Lynne and Ronald Godkin. Majestic WI hosts euchre partv The Majestic Women's Institute held its February euchre party in the library with nine tables in play. The winners were: high lady, Effie * Henricks; low lady, Clara Haig; high man, Jane Devries (playing as a man); low man. Murray Keffer; lone hand travell­ ing prize. Freida D'Arcy: birthday nearest Valentine’s Day, Jim Smith. The next euchre party will be held on Monday evening. March 4 at 8 p.m. winners BY SANDRA JOSLING Results from the Brussels Legion Monday night Mixed Darts on February 4 are as follows: Martha Logan, Alex Henderson and Cam Ross, first; Rob Willie and Bill Nethery, second. The high shooter for the ladies was Kitty Rutledge (112) and for the men. Marvin Grimes (140). Darts start at 8 p.m. Monday nights with everyone wel­ come. Results from Wednesday night Euchre on February 6 are as follows: high lady, Mary Huether; high man, Ross Alcock; low lady, Helen Dobson; low man, Frank Alcock*. Most lone hands for the ladies was Dorothy Dilworth and most lone hands for the men was Gordon Nichol. The next euchre night is Wednesdays February 20 at 7:30 sharp. Everyone is w-elcome to play. The next Pub Night at the Legion is Friday, February 15 at 8 p.m. Bring a friend and enjoy an evening of fun. 4.99 SQ. YD. Drop in today and browse through our huge selection of in-stock carpet and vinyl or order from our samples. Either way the savings are fantastic during our annual carpet and vinyl sale. Don’t miss it! 4.99 SQ. YD. Have your new selection installed by one of our professional installers or install it yourself. |4. f -1 v. r hardware 11 North Street E„ WINGHAM