 October 30, 2015For Immediate Release NOTO APPLAUDS ONTARIO GOVERNMENT FOR EXPANDING AND ENHANCING THE SPRING BEAR HUNT PILOT NORTH BAY – Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO) responded with keen interest to today’s announcement of the proposal by the Ontario Government to extend the spring bear hunt pilot for an additional five years and to include non-resident hunters in the pilot. “This proposal is a welcomed opportunity for the tourism industry to once again help with sound black bear management in Ontario. The inclusion of non-resident hunters in this spring hunt pilot and opening the hunt to all wildlife units that currently hold a fall black bear hunt has the potential to bring $100 million dollars into our economy annually,” says Laurie Marcil, NOTO Executive Director The proposal has now been posted to the Environmental Registry and will be available for public comment for the next 30 days. It is expected that an official announcement will not be made on the final decision of the Province until early January. NOTO representatives have indicated that their work is not yet complete. They will now continue to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources to provide input regarding the format of the proposed hunt. “Since the cancellation of the hunt back in 1999, NOTO has never lost its belief that the spring black bear hunt is a sustainable and ethical activity that assists in black bear management and brings significant economic and social benefits to Ontario. We have continued over the years with each new Minister to find support. It has been a pleasure over the last year working with Minister Mauro and his staff to see this come to fruition,” offered Laurie Marcil, NOTO Executive Director Tourism operators across the Province who have indicated their support of the spring bear hunt’s return, will be working closely with NOTO to provide advice and support to the Ministry based on experience and on the ground intelligence. “The recognition from the Province that tourism outfitters can play a key role in helping with sound management of wildlife is appreciated and we look forward to continuing our work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry over the coming months to ensure that the safety of residents and guests of Ontario is top of mind as we move forward,” says Brenda Baughman, NOTO President As an industry that depends significantly on wildlife, fisheries and the unique quality of our wilderness, working closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is of utmost importance. NOTO is the only not-for-profit organization that represents the resource based tourism industry and has been advocating on their behalf since it was formed in 1929. -30- Media Contacts: Laurie Marcil Brenda Baughman Executive Director President 705-472-5552 x24 or Mobile: 705-499-7556 807-475-7246 laurie@noto.net fish@bownarrows.com |
