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January 28, 1998
(MHA)

The following is being distributed at the request of Beaton Tulk, MHA - Bonavista North:

Indian Bay volunteer group a model for all Canada says Beaton Tulk

The Indian Bay Community Watershed Association has won a national award for outstanding achievements in the field of conservation and recreational fisheries. Many area residents are rightfully proud that their volunteer group has been nationally recognized by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). But there is none prouder of the association's achievements than one of the area's native sons, Beaton Tulk.

When the organization came into being, Mr. Tulk was still the area's Member of the House of Assembly and he was Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, the provincial department responsible for watershed management. Now that he is the Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, he continues to be a staunch supporter of the association.

"The provincial government has played a role in furthering the aims of this exemplary organization by providing support financially and otherwise through our staff members. All of Newfoundland and Labrador can feel proud that the project was one of only six in Canada to receive such distinction."

The Cape Freels-Indian Bay EcoSystem Development Committee of Dover was the name used by the association until recently. The committee began the Indian Bay Trout Project as a community response to the decline in brook trout stocks in the Indian Bay watershed.

Mr. Tulk noted that federal department in documents is pointing to the Indian Bay Community Watershed Association as "a model for co-operation between community groups, a university and government."

A release from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans says that through the efforts of the association, thousands of bags of garbage were removed and new bridges were built to lessen the impact of vehicle traffic on streams. Through biological sampling, sufficient data has been gathered to develop a management plan for the watershed.

The Canada Recreational Fisheries Awards were created in 1989 for individuals and organizations in recognition of their work in protecting and enhancing recreational fish and their habitat, improve fishing opportunities, and encourage industry and tourism development.

Nominations for next year's awards are due by June 30 and may be submitted by an organization or by two sponsors. The forms for nominations are available though DFO. Mr. Tulk encourages participation of individuals and groups throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

He said: "The work by the Indian Bay group and other watershed associations are classic examples of what can be done to aid development and rural revitalization. Winning such awards is just one of the many ways we can draw attention to the vast resources and wonderful opportunities available in our province."

Mr. Tulk and members of his staff over the weekend (Jan 31-Feb 1) participated in a number of events organized by the Indian Bay association to heighten awareness of their causes.

Contact: Pat Power, (709) 729-4570, fax (709) 729-4880.