News Release - November 24, 2003

NR-C&A-10-03E

FORESTRY COMPANY FINED FOR DESTRUCTION OF FISH HABITAT ON EVANS CREEK

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario - On November 19, 2003, Wagner Ontario Forest Management Limited, a forestry company, was fined $13,000 after pleading guilty to one violation of Section 35(1) of the Federal Fisheries Act for "the harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction of fish habitat". The offence occurred on an unnamed lake on Evans Creek in the Township of Lalibert, north of Wawa.

In the summer of 2002, Wagner Ontario Forest Management Limited was investigated for removing a beaver dam and draining a portion of the lake. The lowering of the water level of the lake resulted in the loss of a large amount of Northern Pike habitat.

At the request of Fisheries & Oceans Canada, Justice of the Peace Jane Forth ordered that $11,700 of the fine be directed to the Wawa Area Co-management Committee, to be used for fish habitat projects in the Wawa area. The Wawa Area Co-Management Committee is a local citizens' committee involved in fish stocking, fish surveys and stream rehabilitation.

Prior to undertaking any work in or around water, Fisheries and Oceans Canada encourages the public to ensure they have all necessary approvals from municipal, provincial, and federal agencies and authorities. The public can help protect fish habitat by reporting violations to Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Office in Sault Ste. Marie at (705) 941-2039.

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For more information:
Colleen O'Meara
Regional Communications Manager
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Central and Arctic Region
(905) 336-4822