TORONTO - The Ernie Eves government is investing $100,000 in a partnership to fund operation of the Haliburton Fish Hatchery and enhance quality angling in Ontario, Natural Resources Minister Jerry Ouellette announced today.

The money is in addition to $50,000 in operational funding provided to the hatchery in 2002.

"We are delighted to work with the Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association to establish a financial trust that will serve as the foundation for the annual operating expenses of the Haliburton hatchery," said Ouellette. "Thanks to the volunteer work of the association, local residents and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, this hatchery is one of the best examples of local conservation efforts in Ontario."

To date, more than 170,000 trout from the Haliburton Fish Hatchery have contributed to the province's fish stocking targets. The Haliburton Lake Trout Project was formed in 1997 to evaluate the existing lake trout management program and test new approaches for managing the fishery. A fish hatchery operated by volunteers was completed in 1998.

"I am pleased with this announcement today," said Chris Hodgson, MPP, Haliburton Victoria-Brock. "This partnership for the Haliburton Fish Hatchery is vital to protecting our natural resources and I am pleased that the Ernie Eves government recognizes such a valuable initiative."

"The fish culture operations at the hatchery are built on a strong partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources," said John Ball, president of the Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association. "We welcome their support in establishing an ongoing financial trust, which is vital to the facility's continued success."

Last year alone, more than 10,000 hours of dedicated volunteer time was directed at fish culture activities, maintenance, hatchery tours, meetings and special community events at the facility. In the past two years, more than $50,000 has been raised by the community in support of volunteer programs, operational and administrative expenses, and youth employment at the hatchery.

In 2002, the hatchery hosted more than 800 elementary school students who took part in the facility's education programs. The hatchery also provides work placements for Sir Sandford Fleming College students, and undertakes co-operative education projects with Haliburton Highlands Secondary School.

Contact:

Dave Flowers
Minden Area Office
(705) 286-5215

Cathy Sewell
Minister's Office
(416) 314-2212