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Elk Reintroduction
Our
Association is one of the leading sponsoring clubs for the Elk
Reintroduction Program in our area. We are supporting the program with
funds as well as manpower. We are continuing to fight against those who
would have the Elk relocated out of our area.
Turkey Reintroduction
In
2000, we started work on a wild turkey relocation project. After four
years of fighting bureaucracy and anti hunting groups, we released 66
birds in February 2004. In 5 years, if all goes well, we are looking
forward to a hunting season.
The pheasant release is growing every year. Intended
to be a” put and take” program, survivors have wintered on the Island
very well. In the past four years The Association has release over 2500
birds on St. Joseph Island. Feed and grit is distributed at release
sites to discourage the birds from staying on roads. This release is a
good example to the community that conservation is more than “hugging
trees”.
Habitat Enhancement
Our
Association encourages landowners to use sound conservation techniques
in land management. We also facilitate the use of browse plots and cover
areas to enhance wildlife habitat using a machine called The PlotMaster.
Deer Save Program
Our
Association keeps a $5,000 reserve to ensure survival of the White Tail
Deer herd on St. Joseph Island. This fund is used only for emergency
supplemental feeding only.
Data Collection Program
Every
year the Association sponsors students from the Sault College Fish and
Wildlife Program. These students do browse, fecal counts and collect
harvest data to help the MNR make sound management decisions for the
White Tail Deer herd.
In 2001, our Association announced The Kala Project.
Named after Kala Johnson, who lived on Twin Lakes, the Kala Project
created a children’s only fishing area on Lower Twin Lake. After
consultation with the MNR, local residents as well as local governments,
the lake is stocked annually with 22-month-old Splake. Anglers who fish
Splake in the lake must be accompanied by a child 16 and under. This
project is intended to introduce the joys of angling to children who
would not otherwise have the opportunity. To date 2000 splake have been
introduced into the lake.
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