SAINT JOHN (GNB) – The provincial government has partnered with the City of Saint John and the Town of Rothesay to install signage reminding ice fishers to be good stewards of the environment.
“Ice fishing is a traditional and popular way to enjoy the natural environment and our waterways during the winter,” said Environment and Local Government Minister Brian Kenny. “As with any outdoor recreation, we want to remind New Brunswickers of their responsibility to ensure activities do not harm the environment.”
The new signs are located at Dominion Park, Renforth Wharf and Cameron Road. These are popular ice fishing sites where in prior years there have been issues with shelters not being properly maintained.
“We are pleased to be working alongside the City of Saint John, the Dominion Park Ice Fishing association, the Town of Rothesay and the Renforth Ice Fishing association to ensure ice fishers are aware of the rules and that shelters are properly dismantled at the end of the season,” said Kenny. “Awareness and education are our best tools to ensure enthusiasts can enjoy the activity while still protecting our waterways.”
The province installed signage in partnership with the City of Bathurst last year and the initiative proved successful in improving compliance with the Clean Environment Act. Under the act, ice fishing shelter owners must:
- post their name and address clearly on the outside of the shelter;
- mount shelters on skids or runners to allow for easy removal;
- remove all shelters and contents before the spring thaw; and
- dispose properly of all waste on land.
LINK:
25-01-16