Grand River FMP Dinner

[Dan Andrews]

The Grand River Fisheries Management Plan Implementation Committee would like to invite you to attend a celebration Symposium and Dinner to raise awareness of the aquatic resources of the Grand River. The Grand Waters…Grand Fish: Celebration Dinner and Symposium will be held on January 31, 2009 at the German Canadian Club, Brantford, Ontario, between 1pm and 9pm.

The implementation of the Grand River Fisheries Management Plan has been ongoing since 1998. The Implementation Committee wishes to share the successes of the volunteer groups, organizations and agencies that have been involved. The Grand Waters…Grand Fish Celebration Dinner and Symposium will feature several speakers in the afternoon that will highlight the accomplishments of the partner agencies working to improve fisheries resources in the Grand River watershed. Speakers at this symposium will include:

* Grand River Fisheries Management Plan – Patience Pays Off – Warren Yerex (GRCA)

* Tourism and Sport Fishing Opportunities for the Grand River – John Valk, Grindstone Angling, Waterdown

* Reservoir Management in the Grand River Watershed – GRCA Staff

* Water Quality in the Grand River Watershed – GRCA Staff

* Grand River Walleye and Lake Erie – Tom MacDougall (OMNR)

* A Diverse Fishery – Ken Collins, Grand River Troutfitters, Fergus

* The Rehabilitation of Marden Creek, A Successful Stewardship Partnership - Larry Halyk, Wellington County Stewardship Council

After the symposium is completed, a cocktail hour will allow people to examine posters and a slide show highlighting fisheries improvement activities and accomplishments completed by various agencies and volunteer groups in the Grand River watershed. This cocktail hour will be followed by a country-style roast beef and schnitzel dinner.

The dinner will feature keynote speaker Professor Mark R. Servos. Professor Servos is the Canada Research Chair in Water Quality Protection in the Department of Biology, University of Waterloo. Mr. Servos is also Scientific Director of the Canadian Water Network. In this role he leads the development of an innovation network focused on providing clean, safe water across Canada and internationally.

This event will feature a silent auction and raffle. Numerous groups, businesses and individuals who are contributing to make the Grand River and its fisheries even better, have generously donated the prizes. A wide variety of items will be available that include guided fishing trips, canoe rentals, collectable art, memberships and much, much more.

The event will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at the German Canadian Club, 194 Henry St., Brantford, ON. Doors open at 1pm. The symposium will start at 2 pm and finish at 4:30 pm. Cocktail hour, with appetizers, will be offered from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. Dinner will be served at 6:15 pm. Tickets are limited and cost $50.00 each. Tables can be reserved if 8 tickets are sold as a group. Tickets are available through Larry or Kim Mellors (519-758-9400) in Brantford or E-mail them at: lmello1647@rogers.com