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February 12, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)


Forest Resources and Agrifoods Minister Beaton Tulk says public respo nse has been excellent to a new program promoting outdoor skills training for women. The department is taking a lead role in introducing a new outdoor program to Newfoundland: Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW).

"Outdoor marketing is often focused on a male audience, and this program is all about removing barriers," said Mr. Tulk. "It's about fostering a positive perspective among women to participate in outdoor recreational activities they many not have had the opportunity to experience."

The Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program began in 1991 in the United States and is already in 40 states and workshops are now offered in three Canadian provinces: Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Six provinces, including Newfoundland have received the required training to host workshops. The goal of the program is to provide opportunities for women to learn skills that enhance and encourage participation in hunting, angling, and non-consumptive outdoor activities like canoeing.

The course offerings for the Newfoundland program are still being planned at this time, but they may include:

Rifle marksmanship                      Camping skills
Archery and Bow hunting                 Fishing skills
Canoeing for the beginner               Beginning shotgun
Cleaning and handling game              Fly fishing
Getting around with map and compass     Intro to firearm handling and 
                                        safety
Intro to Outdoor survival               Taking Kids outdoors
The Outdoor Classroom                   Spirit Nature

The program is currently being scheduled for April (date to be announced).

"The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods is the primary sponsor of the program in this province, but it should be noted that this is a non-profit endeavour with costs covered by the registration fee ($125) and corporate sponsors who've already signed on for the project," Mr. Tulk said.

Mr. Tulk notes that, with the limited advertising over the past week or so, the coordinator of the project has received 70 names of individuals expressing an interest in the project. "We hope to be able to have representation from all across the province on this course," said the minister. "This may spark interest for local workshops which might be more accessible to rural women."

Contact:

     Lucy O'Driscoll, Coordinator       Anna Buffinga
     Salmonier Nature Park              Public Relations
     (709) 729-6974                     (709) 729-3750
  
1997 02 12                          3:45 p.m.

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