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Fisheries and Oceans Canada Recognizes the Northern Lights Fly Tyers for its Contribution to Recreational Fisheries

A 2013 National Recreational Fisheries Award is presented to the Northern Lights Fly Tyers for its commitment to conservation

February 13, 2014- Edmonton, Alberta

David Burden, Regional Director General, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, presented the Northern Lights Fly Tyers with a 2013 National Recreational Fisheries Award on February 12, 2014.

Formed in 1978, the Northern Lights Fly Tyers has an excellent track record in support of conserving Alberta’s fisheries and promoting involvement in recreational angling. This organization has become the “go-to” club regarding conservation education and is the face of sport fishing in Edmonton and many other parts of Alberta. Each year, the Club looks for new ways to promote fly tying and fly fishing to youth and others, in the belief that anglers are the best custodians of the resource.

Club members are continually looking for ways to conserve fisheries in Alberta through hands-on labour, advocacy and teaching. Countless volunteer hours and resources contribute to protecting and enhancing fisheries in the lakes and streams of the province. These volunteers also promote recreational fishing at major fishing shows and during their annual seminar, they teach kids to tie flies, provide funding for equipment for “Casting for Life” to help breast cancer survivors, and for “Healing Waters” to help disabled military personnel.

A recent major project for the club was to collect and analyze data on Arctic grayling distribution, abundance and habitat in the Upper Pembina River watershed where, in the past, streams provided high-quality sport fishing for residents of Central Alberta. Today, many grayling populations have been extirpated and those that remain are in a precarious state. The main objective of the project is to provide a foundation for long-term contributions to conservation of recreational fisheries in this watershed, by identifying opportunities to conserve the remaining stocks and to restore former populations.

Posted Image

Dave Burden, Regional Director General Central and Arctic Region of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (left) presents a 2013 Recreational Fisheries Award to Dennis Southwick, President, Northern Lights Fly Tyers and Trout Unlimited Edmonton. (Photo Phil Rowley)

Quick Facts
  • Canada’s National Recreational Fisheries Awards were created in 1989 to recognize outstanding contributions by individuals and organizations in areas such as recreational community leadership, restoring and enhancing fisheries and fish habitat or promoting conservation and sustainable recreational fishing.
Quotes

“Our Government is proud to recognize dedicated volunteers for their outstanding commitment to conservation of resources and to recreational fishing. Their efforts to protect fish and fish habitat and to promote recreational angling help preserve our important resources for future generations to enjoy.”

“Recreational fishing is a tradition worth preserving and protecting for future generations. It represents an important economic, social and cultural contribution to Canada. I offer my sincere congratulations to the Northern Lights Fly Tyers for its outstanding contribution to recreational fishing in Canada.”

The Honourable Gail Shea

Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"I welcome this award because it recognizes the almost unbelievable degree of commitment by so many club volunteers over the years to conservation, education and improving recreational angling opportunities for all."

Dennis Southwick, President of the Northern Lights Fly Tyers

Recipient of the 2013 National Recreational Fisheries Award

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Good on all that volunteer to the club , I have learnt a lot from many different members over the years and I hope to pass on what I have learnt to any fly fisher that is willing to ask and learn . That being said I am still learning , from the new members that join and bring their experience , to the yearly seminars we have . Thanks

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It was a proud moment to see this fine establishment be the recipient of such an award on a National Level. Kudos to all on the volunteer club your work is well recognised, and to the Northern Lights Fly Tyers for our continuning efforts in stewardship and commitment to conservation

 

Thanks... roy

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