Tilson announces investment in recreational fisheries project

January 21, 2015 · 0 Comments

The government of Canada has partnered with the Halton-Peel Woodlands and Wildlife Stewardship to undertake tree planting improvements along Caledon Creek.
Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson highlighted the government’s investment in the Caledon Creek tree-planting program. Through the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP), the Stewardship will receive up to $5,500 to support the conservation of fish habitat in Caledon. The Stewardship will improve brook trout habitat through riparian plantings along stream courses that have been previously degraded.
As part of the National Conservation Plan, RFCPP was created to restore Canada’s waterways and to ensure sustainability and ongoing productivity of recreational fisheries. Given its success in ensuring a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across the country, and high demand, the government increased the investment in the Economic Action Plan 2014 to a total of $25 million.
The Halton-Peel Woodlands and Wildlife Stewardship will contribute to the conservation and restoration of the country’s natural environment and help connect Canadians to the rich natural heritage. Under the third round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, up to $1.28 million has been made available for 14 projects in Ontario.
Since the launch of the program, more than $18 million has already been committed to in excess of 300 projects across Canada. Under the first round, the program awarded $5.9 million to 94 projects. In the second round, the program committed up to $5.5 million to 128 projects. The third round will see up to $6.8 million committed for more than 80 projects to be undertaken between 2014 and 2016. The fourth round of funding applications is now closed. Successful projects will be announced shortly.
“The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program allows our government to support an important economic sector while also ensuring sustainable fisheries,” observed Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea. “Our government is proud to support their work that will benefit Canadian communities for years to come.”
“Hard-working organizations like the Halton-Peel Woodlands and Wildlife Stewardship are the foundation of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program,” Tilson commented. “Our government will continue to advocate for recreational fishing, an important economic activity which contributes billions to our economy and is a part of our heritage. Together with our like-minded partners, we recognize the importance of protecting and restoring fishing habitat for generations to come.”