By Rosalind Russell – The Espanola Lions Club is thrilled to help a local environmentally oriented group.
Club member Grant Lewis says they have presented a cheque for $6,600 to the Espanola Game and Fish Association to assist them with their ongoing projects.
He says the association is responsible for many projects with its many partners including fish planting, maintaining dockage, developing local trails and so much more.
Lewis talked about the history and the work of the association over the years.
Espanola Game and Fish has been around for quite a while and has been active preserving, enhancing and promoting the woodlands and lakes in our area.
With over 170 members and a core of dedicated volunteers, this group has planted trees, added millions of fish to our local lakes and made visions come true.
In the sixties, they established the shooting and archery range on Lee Valley.
“In the eighties, a fishing pier was constructed and repaired at Black Creek. I’m told it is one of the best fishing spots around!! I guess the secret is out! A beautiful picnic area has been added with accessible picnic benches.”
Adjacent to the picnic area are over five kilometres of wonderful walking and snowshoe trails with comfy benches, painted rocks, tree signage, a Christmas Tree, and other curiosities. The trails are geared to many levels of walking ability including wheelchairs. These walking trails were only possible through the generosity of local groups, individuals, businesses, and the Town which all come together to maintain the picnic area.
“Across from the fishing pier is a dog friendly area which is being developed as we speak. Benches are provided so dog owners can relax while their canine friends “run wild” as it were.”
Lewis adds a future project is the improvement of the boat launch. I tell you, this group never stops.
And, in co-operation with local fish hatcheries, other Game and Fish Clubs, cottager associations and L’Ecole Renaissance, millions of fish have been released into many of our local lakes. No wonder we have so many happy fishermen!, concludes Lewis.
The funds were presented to members of the association last week.
Photo: The Espanola Lions Club is thrilled to help this dedicated Club make our area a better, healthier and cleaner to place to live and play. Thanks to Catch the Ace profits, the club presented a cheque for $6,600 to members of the Game and Fish Club. On hand to receive the cheque were Cameron Morley, Roger Carriere, Gabe Rivet, Dennis Lendrum, and Brian Tuttle. Photo provided by Espanola Lions Club.
Agri-food funding distributed to local operations in Algoma-Manitoulin