June 23, 2008

During the past few weeks I’ve had the privilege of joining people from all over the world to lend a hand in protecting the biodiversity that makes Ontario truly unique.

On May 28th I visited to the Forks of the Credit in Caledon to release the one millionth Atlantic salmon into the Credit River as part of the Atlantic Salmon Restoration Project.  This project is widely supported and has been developed to re-introduce the Atlantic Salmon to Lake Ontario.  As a predator, the Atlantic Salmons’ presence in Lake Ontario was a critical component of the food chain and this restoration project aims at re-introducing this species as an important link in the biodiversity of Lake Ontario.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters was on hand to celebrate this milestone and Banrock Station Winery, based out of Australia, graciously hosted the event.  Banrock Station sponsors more than 30 similar stewardship programs around the world and I’m proud to say that this project is the winery’s largest stewardship contribution outside of Australia.

Another significant event I wish to relate to you took place on June 3rd, when I went to the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Toronto to band peregrine falcon chicks. Thirty years ago this magnificent bird was on the brink of extinction.  This bird of prey, which is the fastest bird on our planet, now has a fighting chance of survival with more than 70 pairs of peregrine adults spanning the province. I encourage you to take a look at the chicks on a live webcam at these websites:

• www.asic.ca/camtest/cpfetob1.htm
• www.peregrine-foundation.ca

Also, I encourage you take a look at some of the pictures we took during these events:

• Minister in the Community
   

Most importantly, these projects would not have been possible without the help of families, organizations and communities who took it upon themselves to make a positive difference and help species at risk in Ontario survive and recover. I look forward to visiting more parts of the province and seeing first-hand how Ontarians are helping to protect and conserve our natural resources.

Read previous journal entry...

• April 29 2008