Double Standard?

It is with great interest that I read the article in the newspaper where “Big Clear Lake Spawning Bed Enhancement Project Attracts National Attention”. Congratulations to Big Clear Lake Association for pursuing a very important project to protect the walleye in their lake. When Malcolm and Ardoch Lake Association applied for permits in 2017-2018 to do this type of work in our two lakes, the Bancroft Branch of the Ministry of Natural Resources would not allow us to place the stones in winter. We discussed the project with Kemptville and Kingston MNR who would not have a problem with it, but Bancroft MNR would not budge. The spring Walleye Watch that MALLA undertook for more than a decade was proof that we were invested in Fish Habitat Programs. Luckily, Watershed Canada and Melissa Dakers got involved to get our permits through other channels. Our volunteer group fundraised to pay for tonnes of washed river rock and equipment that we were forced to haul with boats and a barge to the GPS sites. With spawning beds ready, MALLA had volunteers and equipment in place to clean the beds each year BUT the MNR said that they would fine anyone who disturbed the beds! The report that Big Clear Lake Association and Watersheds Canada were able to overcome the politics involved is joyful news and worth rewarding.