THOROLD, Ont. (April 24, 2019) –Join the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) on Saturday, April 27 at St. Johns Conservation Area in Fonthill, for its annual opening of trout season. Guest are welcome to come and enjoy a beautiful spring day with family and friends at this popular community event.
“This educational and recreational event is perfect for anglers of all ages and experience levels, from amateurs to seasoned pros,” says Alicia Powell, Supervisor of Leading and Learning at NPCA. “Here we celebrate the opening of trout season in Niagara and take the opportunity to promote the sustainability and conservation of native fish species. We call on our community to take part in ensuring the health and quality of our waterways for future generations to enjoy.”
In keeping with tradition, the ceremonial first cast by Mickey DiFruscio and local dignitaries will take place at Noon. One lucky angler will have the opportunity to catch a special tagged fish for a prize of $25, courtesy of the DiFruscio family.
The Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) will once again join the NPCA to demonstrate fly casting and fly tying. This group of volunteers works alongside various partners to preserve and restore Twelve Mile Creek, which at one time was home to native Brook Trout. Encroaching development, erosion, and warming of the stream have reduced these fish to a few isolated pockets and TUC works to improve the habitat so they can once again thrive in the Twelve.
“This Conservation Area is an exceptional natural area for the public to experience,” adds Kim Frohlich, Ecologist at NPCA. “With various opportunities like trout fishing, birding, and hiking, the community will surely enjoy being surrounded by a wide variety of Carolinian species and unique escarpment features to see and explore.”
Gates open at 10:30 a.m. and event goes until 2 p.m. There is a voluntary admission fee of $2 per person or $5 per family, with proceeds benefiting the continued conservation efforts of the NPCA. The day will feature complimentary face
painting, recreational fishing, informational booths, and BBQ food for sale by RJ’s Rolling Cookhouse.
St. Johns Conservation Area is located at 3101 Barron Road in Fonthill. A valid Fishing License is required, and conservation limits will apply. Please check the Ontario Fishing Regulations at www.ontario.ca for information. Anglers are asked to kindly refrain from using live bait, and artificial lures are recommended to reduce the introduction of pollutants into the pond’s ecosystem.
For more information on this event and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, please visit www.npca.ca. Follow on Facebook and Twitter for more updates.
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About NPCA:
The NPCA manages the impact of human activities, urban growth, and rural activities on the Niagara Peninsula watershed with programs and services that help keep people and their property safe from flooding and erosion, while retaining the safety of our drinking water.
NPCA manages 41 Conservation Areas, including Ball’s Falls, Binbrook, Long Beach and Chippawa Creek. These lands are held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. NPCA’s Conservation Areas marry
nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro, Communications Specialist
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca