The Rainy Lake fishery has been excellent for the past several years. The regular angling community has, generally speaking, been very pleased with the quality and quantity of the walleye and smallmouth bass population.
Smallmouth bass, in particular, have become a very valuable and popular species in our waters primarily because of the impact of fishing tournaments during the last decade.
Like everything else in nature, sustainability requires monitoring and nurturing. When we take something from Mother Nature, we must give something in return.
The organizers of the first Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship in 1995 recognized this. An objective outlined in the original tournament proposal was to “return part of the monies generated to establish a fund for research on tournament-related fisheries.”
To a small degree, some funds have been donated by tournament anglers, sponsors, and other businesses for local conservation projects through the Fort Frances Sportsmen’s Club.
Last summer, under the encouragement of local MNR staff, a small group of dedicated conservationists began meeting to formulate a plan to keep Rainy Lake healthy.
A lot of work has taken place since then and this news release should bring you up to speed.
We have established the Rainy Lake Fisheries Trust (RLFT) to promote and encourage future recreational fisheries research projects on the lake through stakeholder partnerships.
We have one major objective: to improve the scientific basis for management of the recreational fishery by supporting research, developing fisheries expertise, and improving/maintaining suitable habitat on Rainy Lake.
The information will contribute to decision-making and conservation efforts at the local level, and possibly impact on fisheries policy and management at the provincial level.
The RLFT will create local interest and awareness of the social and economic benefits to be derived from a healthy fishery.
It also will provide a unique opportunity to consolidate donations and other funding sources necessary to provide research projects.
More information will be made available on this at a later date.
The following trustees and non-voting members have come together to administer the fund, which would include the task of developing partnerships, seeking donations, encouraging future research activities, and reviewing the project applications:
•Larry Eustace (chair)
•Karl Zimmerman (secretary/treasurer)
•Blair Beadow (F.F. Sportsmen’s Club)
•Doug Cain (FFCBC)
•Darryl McLeod or Linda Wall (MNR)
•Dale Callaghan (Rainy Lake Conservancy)
•Tom Pearson (NWOTA)
•Tannis Drysdale (municipal rep)
•Don Cumming (angler rep)
•Jack Hedman (O.F.A.H.)
•Paul Jewiss (Abitibi-Consolidated)
•Geoff Gillon (Rainy River Future Development Corp.)
We are in the process of incorporating as a not-for-profit corporation with letters patent under the Corporations Act and the Income Tax Act.
We would be able to provide tax receipts for any donors who wish to support our efforts.
The RLFT will recognize and honour all individuals, businesses, service clubs, foundations, or organizations willing to make donations or provide in-kind support to specific research projects.
Even though we have not completed the necessary paperwork, we have two specific pledges: the Rainy Lake Conservancy ($1,000) and the Fort Frances Sportsmen’s Club ($2,500).
The FFCBC also has agreed to support this trust financially.
It is hoped the public will agree to support our work by contacting anyone on the board of directors with their suggestions, ideas, and financial support if possible.
If you or your organization would like to become an active partner in this endeavour, let us know. If we truly value what we have, we will do everything in our power to preserve it for future generations.
What we are starting is a perfect fit with the MNR’s concept of community stewardship of our fisheries resource as outlined in the new Fisheries Management Zones . . . A New Ecological Framework for Recreational Fisheries Management in Ontario.
Your comments, thoughts, and ideas are very much welcomed and encouraged.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
