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The Citizen, 1992-06-24, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992. * 11III£ igMlf z t Foot-stompin' fun With bad weather making outdoor fun impossible and the idea of a good-old fashioned jamboree tempting people indoors, there was a good turnout to Sunday's Maitland Valley Barn Dance at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. NISA program to help with farm management Wild turkeys survive first winter in Huron During the past winter, a total of 25 wild turkeys were released in northern Huron County as part of a joint reintroduction program by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. A native species of Ontario, the wild turkey disappeared from the province in the early 1900's. Similar declines occurred through­ out the northeastern United States. Early attempts to repopulate suitable habitat with game farm- produced birds were almost totally unsuccessful. Subsequent trap and transfer programs with wild birds have created one of the most successful wildlife management stories in conservation history. The birds released in Huron County were captured in central Ontario by shooting rocket- propelled nets over birds attracted to baited trapping sites. These birds were the progeny of wild turkeys originating in Missouri, Iowa, New York and Vermont. In total, five groups of birds were captured and released between December 30 and March 25. Six hens and five toms were released at one site, while six hens and eight toms were released at a second site. Hens weighed an average of 10 lbs., while the average weight of toms was 15 lbs. The largest bird weighed 19.3 lbs. Adult male turkeys are usually about twice the size of hens, are darker in colour, and are characterized by spurs on the lower part of the leg and a beard which may be up to 10-12 inches in length. The beard is a long bristle­ like feather protruding from the centre of the breast. The head of a male becomes blue, red and white during the breeding season. Hens occasionally have small beards, are duller in appearance than the toms, and do not have spurs. Wild turkeys nest in the spring from late-April until May or June. The young poults can fly within two weeks of hatching, at which time they begin roosting in trees at night. Biologists, using radio­ tracking equipment, have found that two out of three adult birds will die each year from predators, severe weather, and other factors. In spite of this, a brood of up to 12 young enables the species to increase their numbers very rapidly, if suitable habitat exists. Since the birds were released, their activities have been monitored by two techniques. The first is through reports of sightings by local residents, either by phone or by submitting mail-in report cards; and the second is through gobbling surveys conducted in the early morning hours by a host of volun­ teers. These sources of informa­ tion have been extremely valuable in determining the survival of the birds, and their dispersal to new areas. Several birds have already been reported in new locations over five miles from the original release site. Annual movements of 12-15 miles are not uncommon with this species. In addition, these surveys have Ag. Museum holds Canada Day celebration Canada 125’ celebrations will be in full swing on Wednesday, July 1 at the Ontario Agricultural Museum, with activities and entertainment for the entire family include craft workshops, wagon rides and musical entertainment. Bring your own kite to fly over the expansive grass areas, or kindle the spirit of the past by participating in organized 19th century games. The day's activities will be culminated at 2 p.m. when visitors will be invited to participate in the ‘Canada 125 Unity Circle’ and patriotic parade. Led by an RCMP Corporal in ceremonial uniform, the Unity Circle activity and parade will conclude with the cutting of Canada's birthday cake. Other activities include the museum's costumed interpreters celebrating 125 years of Canadian history through song. Pack and picnic or eat in the country style restaurant, but leave room to indulge in fresh strawberries during the afternoon's strawberry social. Admission will be free on July 1st only. improving Fin YOUR ODDS \!/ AGAINST HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO CANADA'S #1 KILLER. identified a number of free-ranging game farm birds. Although well intentioned, persons releasing game farm birds actually threaten the success of the reintroduction program, since game farm birds may interbreed with the truly wild birds and produce inferior offspring. For this reason, it is illegal for anyone to possess a domesticated wild turkey without a license, or to release one of these birds into the wild. Any type of bronze or black-colored turkey is considered a wild turkey, even if totally domesticated. The Wingham office of the Ministry of Natural Resources would greatly appreciate the assistance of local residents, farmers and the general public to report the sightings of all wild turkeys during the first several years of this reintroduction program. Landowners wishing to assist with the re-establishment of the wild turkey could participate by improving habitat on their properties. In this area, the most useful techniques would be to encourage the growth of hardwood trees which produce mast (nuts and fruit), such as beech, hickory or .Just the « KT t__J- z t X- A \\ • II (SEND - One sheet for just $4 dollars and $1.00 per sheet if more. Phone charges FREE in Ontariol I RECEIVE, correspondence at The Citizen for just $1.00 per sheet! _________________________________________ 523-4792 or 887-9114 Citizen L.. “' ..... ‘—I fax# 523-9140 or 887-9021 BY JOHN BANCROFT FARM MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST FOR HURON COUNTY The Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA) is now into its second year of operation. This year's revised NISA program gives farmers what they have asked for - the ability to more accurately predict income so that they can better plan and manage their operations. NISA application forms for the 1991 taxation year have been mailed to farmers who enrolled in NISA last taxation year, and will be available on request to all other interested farmers. Under the program, producers can deposit up to two percent of their eligible net sales. The federal and provincial governments match the contribution at one per cent each. A withdrawal formula allows farmers to determine when they can take money out of their NISA account. That formula was suspended last year to give farmers immediate access to Farm Support cherry and avoid overcutting of any mature hardwoods; protect wetland swamps, create or expand wooded fencelines and stream corridors, and provide a source of winter food by leaving a strip of unharvested or unploughed crop residue around the perimeter of fields, especially those abutting forested land. Wild turkeys are commonly considered to be warier than any other woodland creature. Hunter success rates are usually about 10 - 15 per cent, or about 1/2 to 1/3 as successful as deer hunters. Hunting seasons could be opened in Huron County by about 1995f if the turkey population expands as well as expected. In order to participate in a turkey hunting season, all hunters must attend a Wild Turkey Hunter Education Seminar sponsored by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and pass an examination administered by MNR. MNR has additional information on the ecology and behaviour of Huron County's latest newcomer. In addition, a video tape is available for loan to any groups which might care to learn more about North America's largest game bird. v« i u L\ Faxing at The Citizen is just so easy...and inexpensive too! owning my own business means I don't have a lot of time to do everything I should do... • & v 3d J !// T \/l\ I and Adjustment Measures (FSAM I) assistance and to ease the transition to the new program. This year, the formula - with two triggers - will apply. The bottom line for NISA farmers is that they can use NISA to make long-term plans for their operations with the benefit of more predictable income projections, putting aside money to draw on in low income years. For participants, NISA is much like an RRSP - a management tool for planning their farming future. The Stabilization Trigger allows farmers access to their NISA accounts in a low income year when net sales of all agricultural commodities after eligible expenses falls below the farmer's previous five-year average or portion thereof. The Minimum Income Trigger applies when net income from all sources falls below $10,000. Under this trigger, the farmer can withdraw the amount needed to bring net income from all sources up to $10,000 plus the matchable deposit for that year. Although the withdrawal triggers are now in place, producers will still have access to FSAM I assistance announced in April 1991 which is exempt from the withdrawal formula for the 1991 taxation year. This includes a one per cent federal contribution for grains, oilseeds and special crops and a federal one-half per cent contribution on behalf of participating provinces. The deadline for submitting NISA application forms for the 1991 taxation years is June 30. Farmers who have not received a form package, or who are now considering enrolling in NISA for the first time, should contact the NISA toll free line at 1-800-665- NISA (1-800-265-6472). Forms are also available at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food office in Clinton. y CHECK THE CW55IFIE05 For All Your Needs X / V 000 / I