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Conservation Centre
In May 2002, the Association purchased the former
Guenther Farms property. This 84 - acre property consists of mixed bush
and fields as well as a man made pond and an unfinished 6400 square foot
building. This building, when finished will be a “conservation
classroom" for Central Algoma. Conservation and wildlife management
techniques will be taught to area youth by qualified instructors as well
as practical applications on the property itself.
The centre will also house a workshop so youth groups
will learn how to build bird houses, feeders, nesting boxes, and other
wildlife related wood working.
There will be an indoor archery range so residents
can learn the art of, as well as hone their skills in archery shooting
all year round.
The centre will also house a medium sized meeting
hall with a full service kitchen for small to medium sized functions. We
are sure that the location of the centre with the view of Gawas Bay will
make it a very popular place to hold events and will increase traffic to
area businesses.
The man made pond will be improved and stocked with
fish to enable handicapped children to experience the joys of fishing.
There will be a wheelchair accessible platform to fish from as well as a
handicapped accessible washroom in the centre itself.
These programs will be on line as soon as funds
permit, but, we are accelerating our fundraising to make our dream a
reality as soon as possible.
Our
members also volunteer to help teach children to fish so they can earn
achievement badges for Scouts and Girl Guides. Our members also take
underprivileged children fishing in the summer.
With
the creation of our Conservation Centre, youths in our area will be able
to have hands on experience in conservation and will in turn earn credit
for mandatory volunteer work for secondary school.
Bursary Program
Our
Association has a bursary program where all three levels of education
are included.
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Ernie Eddy Memorial Environmental Award
St.
Joseph Island Central School - $200.00 Bursary to the student who
shows most the interest in the environment.
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Shirley MacKay Memorial Bursary
Central Algoma Secondary School - $200.00 bursary for the student who
chooses higher education in the Natural Resources and Conservation Field
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St. Joseph Island Hunters and Anglers Volunteer Award
Sault
College of Applied Arts and Science - $200.00 recognizes a student in the
Fish and Wildlife Program.
Specific Education Programs
-
Boating Safety
Our
association has a qualified instructor and qualified proctors to teach
boating safety courses.
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Hunter Safety Course
The
Association has qualified instructors that give hunter’s safety courses
as well as required courses for new Federal Firearms regulations. Both
of these courses require teaching materials. All instructors are
volunteers.
General
Education
Our
association holds monthly public meetings. These meetings have guest
speakers who have expertise in many areas that include doctors (teaching
CPR and fishhook removal), biologists (conservation techniques). Fly
tying experts, renewable energy, police (Canine tracking and winter
survival techniques), conservation officers, archery experts, historians
and any other guest speaker that has a view towards conservation and
community interest.
- Tips and Hints
Helpful tips and hints for
hunters, anglers and others who appreciate the outdoors. |
