April 29, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Public members named to Inland Fish and Wildlife Advisory Council

Beaton Tulk, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, is pleased to announce the names of three members of the public to the Inland Fish and Wildlife Advisory Council. These members were selected for their broad interest and participation in fish and wildlife issues, as well as their ability to provide an independent viewpoint to the council. The three new members are:

     Bernard Mackey      Labrador 
     Bruce Moores        Grand-Falls/Windsor
     Stuart Weldon       Corner Brook

This brings the total membership on the council to 19, which includes representation from 16 core member groups along with two national affiliates and three federal/provincial advisory departments.

"These individuals will bring valuable independent views to the discussions of the Inland Fish and Wildlife Council" said the minister, "As representatives of the general public, they are accessible to the public to bring forward broader perspectives than what might otherwise be stated by representatives from specific groups and organizations having a specialized focus. I am pleased to have their participation on the council."

E. Bernard Mackey is an accountant in Happy Valley-Goose Bay who has had an extensive involvement in wildlife activities including the following roles: secretary for the Labrador Fur Harvesters Association, founding member of the Churchill Falls Trappers Association, director on the Churchill Falls Anglers and Hunters Association. He is also a certified instructor for the Provincial Firearms Safety courses. Mr. Mackey will bring the Labrador perspective to council. His experience in fish and wildlife will be very valuable.

Bruce Moores of Grand-Falls-Winsor is a retired branch manager and service stations supervisor for Irving Oil Ltd. He was a captain for rescue training, an active volunteer in the community, holds a valid guide licence, and has worked with Canadian-Northern Outfitters.

Stuart Weldon is the third member. He is currently working on two particular special projects for Corner Brook Pulp & Paper Ltd., the Sustainable Forest Management Plan and the Canadian Standards Association certification of the companies Defined Forest Area. Mr. Weldon has served on a variety of educational and professional boards, including Ducks Unlimited and the Newfoundland and Labrador Round Table of the Environment and the Economy. He brings a rich and diverse experience to renewable resource management to the council.

In December 1996, the minister announced his intention to establish an Inland Fish and Wildlife Council. The council is to operate at arms- length from government and provide comments, advice and recommendations on resource management strategies, policies, operational plans, and regulatory provisions related to the conservation of inland fish and wildlife resources.

The chairman of the council, Tom Humphrey advised that the council has agreed on a Terms of Reference which has been forwarded to the Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods. Mr. Humphrey also reports that three committees have been formed to deal with ongoing business of the council. These committees are:

• Conservation and Stewardship Stamp Committee (Chair) - David Moores (Partridge Forever Society)

  Membership Committee (Chair) - Roy Knoechel (Memorial University of Newfoundland)

  Planning & Priorities Committee (Chair) - Eugene Mercer (Newfoundland & Labrador Outfitters Association)

Mr. Tulk emphasized that the council has adopted an open seating policy in terms of membership. That is, if other organizations/groups not on the council feel that they do not have adequate representation or access to council, they may submit a request to the Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods or the chair of the Inland Fish and Wildlife Advisory Council for consideration.

Contact: Anna Buffinga, Communications, Forest Resources and Agrifoods (709) 729-3750; or Tom Humphrey, Newfoundland & Labrador Inland Fish & Wildlife Advisory Council, (709) 639-3474.