Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Assistant Regional Resources Planning Manager Jesse Van Allen confirmed in January that the FMZ 15 Draft Management Plan and feedback acquired from anglers and stakeholders, had been being reviewed by MNRF employees.
“The earliest possible date to implement any proposed changes would be Jan. 1, 2024,” he stated. “Depending on when the plan is approved, the changes may be implemented Jan. 1, 2025.”
The plan, which precipitated concern for some anglers and companies that depend on winter angling, was positioned on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) in late 2022 for public remark. Van Allen stated 460 feedback had been acquired, which is larger than usually acquired for a draft FMZ plan.
Feedback to be sought
Van Allen stated as soon as the overview is full, the MNRF will search suggestions from the FMZ 15 Advisory Council, comprised of representatives together with First Nation and Métis communities, native anglers, the tourism sector, environmental non-government organizations, native enterprise representatives, cottage associations, and the general public.
Following that, he stated, updates may very well be made. He expects a finalized plan in 2023 to be posted on the ERO, together with a abstract of feedback and any updates.
Comments had been usually supportive of the precedence to preserve and rehabilitate cold-water species, Van Allen famous, including some anglers believed the proposal would finish all winter angling alternatives for trout, which he stated was not the case.
He identified that whereas some season adjustments had been proposed to guard naturally occurring brook trout and lake trout populations, a winter season from the primary Saturday earlier than Family Day to the to 3rd Sunday in March was proposed on giant pure lake trout lakes (larger than 500 hectares).
Also, the numerous lakes which might be stocked with brook trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, or splake would proceed to be stocked and obtainable as year-round angling alternatives.
The plan additionally proposes:
• Removing most present winter fish sanctuaries, permitting new winter fishing alternatives for some species.
• Extending the present angling season for smallmouth and largemouth bass.