No rain for weeks and little relief in sight for local farmers

by Michael Erskine
MANITOULIN---Hot, dry, southerly winds and bright cloudless days have combined to produce conditions dangerously close to drought for Manitoulin's farmers. "Certainly if we do not get some decent precipitation in the next week to 10 days, the corn crop will be a write-off in many areas," said Ministry of Agriculture Rep Brian Bell. "We have had less than 20 mm of water since the 6th of June. That's seven weeks without a significant rainfall." Mr. Bell had just returned from a tour of the Island's corn fields and he said that the corn was beginning to show definite signs of distress from the ongoing dry conditions. The dry conditions have had less effect on the hay crop, allowing a good first cut across the Island, with a fair level of forage value, showing protein in the 12 to 14 percent levels, although Mr. Bell cautions that not a lot of the samples taken for testing have come back yet. The conditions of other silage crops are mixed, depending on when the first cut was taken. "If people cut late, there was not a lot of re-growth, on the other hand, if people cut their alfalfa early, then the second growth is not looking too bad," said Mr. Bell. According to Mr. Bell, a lot of the Island is particularly susceptible to poor water conditions, owing largely to a shallow depth of soil. The dry winds are also a big concern, explained Mr. Bell. "With a warm, dry wind, which has a low level humidity level, any residual moisture is quickly gone," he said. "Certainly all of the specialty crops on the Island desperately need water," said Mr. Bell. Rick Bobbit, a small farmer operating on the west end of the Island has been without water in his well for a long time already this summer. "We can see the storms in western Michigan, across the water. The water all dumps out before it gets to us though," he said. "We wind up with a tiny spattering, if that. A lot of promises but not much in the way of real rain. The Island has been at the bottom of a 30 year average in rainfall, with the last three to four years falling below the average, but as Mr. Bell points out it is hard to talk in generalized terms over the whole Island. "Tehkummah is like a completely different zone than Gore Bay, you can drive across the Island, be in pouring rain in one part, and yet come home to find the ground still bone dry in others," he said. The dry conditions cut a wide swathe across the North Shore and much of southern Ontario. "Orangeville and a large section right across Milton and much of Central Ontario are seeing very dry conditions also," he said. The current weather patterns are definitely a mixed bag, according to Mr. Bell, as the area is seeing a longer growing season marked by longer periods of frost free days.

Fire Ban Island under open fire ban as rainfall remains elusive

by Michael Erskine
MANITOULIN---The dry hot conditions that have dissected the Island have prompted the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to institute a ban on open fires, as forest fire conditions are now in the extreme range. Tony Urbanski, acting fire prevention officer reported that the fire situation is extreme throughout Northeastern Ontario, and that there have been 89 fires in the Sudbury Manitoulin Districts so far this season. "There are currently four fires in the Sudbury District, two are under control and two are currently being contained," he said on Monday. "The weather forecast for the next few days is not encouraging." Numerous MNR fire crews are battling the blazes across the province, as the fires are distributed throughout the North. "We have a blaze northwest of Sudbury and another is going west of Pickerel River near Georgian Bay," he said. The fire ban took effect at midnight on July 27 and will continue for the foreseeable future. Multiple lightening strikes are combining with the dry, hot conditions to tax the MNR's fire response capability. There have been 660 fires in Ontario so far this year, but the province has been very fortunate that none of the blazes have developed into a large scale fire. People are advised to not have any open fires and to exercise extreme caution when travelling in the bush. Under the terms of the restricted fire zone, open fire is not permitted under any circumstances, even for cooking or warmth. The restriction does allow for the use of portable stoves or charcoal installations intended for that purpose. According to a news release from Len Munro, fire prevention officer for the Northern District, the restricted fire zone includes that part of Northeastern Ontario North of the French and Mattawa Rivers, west of the Quebec border, and south and east of 50 degrees 30 minutes north latitude to where it meets the Drowning River, a line running south to Highway 11, then west along Highway 11 to Sandlink Lake and south to the Pic River system and Lake Superior. The area includes all of Manitoulin Island. -

Fish Limits New inland fish limits unveiled

by Neil Zacharjewicz
NORTHEASTERN ONTARIO - The Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee (RFAC) has unveiled its new recommended fish regulations for walleye and northern pike in Northeastern Ontario. The recommendation has been submitted to the province, and are now available for public comment. "The recommendations represent the consensus of regional stakeholders on how to improve the health of walleye and northern pike populations across the northeast region," suggested Greg Deyne, the Ministry of Natural Resources' (MNR's) senior regional fisheries biologist. "It's important to recognize that the committee's recommendations do not reflect the interest of any one group, but rather a balance of all interests." The newly recommended limits for walleye / sauger are a maximum of four walleye / sauger under 41 cm (16 inches), or three walleye / sauger under 41 cm (16 inches) and one walleye over 56 cm (22 inches). The old limit was six of any size. The proposed limit for northern pike is recommended to be a maximum of six northern pike under 61 cm (24 inches), or four northern pike under 61 cm (24 inches), and two northern pike between 61 cm and 86 cm (34 inches), or four northern pike under 61 cm (24 inches), one northern pike between 61 cm and 86 cm (34 inches), and one northern pike over 86 cm. The old limit was six of any size. The new limits apply to fishing divisions 14, 18, 19, 25 and 28. "It is just a proposal at this time," indicated Chris Selinger, a biologist with the MNR in Espanola, the primary contact for the initiative in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. She said the MNR hopes to have the new limits in effect by January 1, 2002. However, the recommendation still has to go to the minister for final approval first. For the new recommendations, the limits were considered on a region-wide basis, because the MNR has been finding similar problems throughout the region. Ms. Selinger said the problems are not isolated to one area. The recommendations were based on the Regional Fisheries Needs Analysis, which has been conducted over the last three years. Initially, the analysis strictly pertained to walleye. However, as the analysis continued, the MNR found the northern pike populations were facing some of the same problems, and valuable information about the pike was being uncovered. The decision to look at walleye was based on the fact it garnered the most interest among stakeholders. "It was the number one priority," Ms. Selinger indicated. The data gathered for the analysis came from a number of Fall Walleye Index Netting (FWIN) programs conducted throughout Northeastern Ontario, including the one the MNR conducted with members of the Mindemoya Area Fisheries Improvement Association (MAFIA) on Lake Mindemoya in the fall of 1997. She noted the concern for Lake Mindemoya was raised by a lobby group organized by the Manitoulin Tourism Association (MTA) at the time. She said she is hoping those same groups will support the new proposed limits. The new limits are fairly straightforward, Ms. Selinger suggested. While the northern pike limits may be a little more complex, she noted there are far fewer exceptions to the base limits under the new system. Cliff Butler is the owner and operator of Camp Mary Anne Resort on Lake Manitou. He was surprised to find out the new limits. "It sounds to me like some non-fisherman made this up," Mr. Butler said. "They are making it too complicated." He said while he believes it is not the MNRs intention, the new limits may be a negative for sports fishers, and may be confusing. He pointed out two years ago some of his customers were confused about the perch limits, which were not clear either. He said they had a book which suggested the perch limit was 100, but later in the book, the figure changed to 50, which they did not notice. They went out fishing, and brought back 100 perch, when they encountered a Conservation Officer (CO). The officer deemed they were in violation of the fishing regulations, confiscated half the fish, and fined the anglers. He noted many of his customers now fish catch-and-release. "I would be totally against these limits," Mr. Butler said. "Instead of doing this, I suggest the MNR find a way to get rid of those 'non-fish eating' cormorants." Rick Gjos, president of the Little Current Fish and Game Club, suggested the new limits are going to hurt the tourist industry. "Who is going to drive up from Ohio or Michigan for two pike?" he questioned. "They have so many regulations, it is confusing." Mr. Gjos said the MNR should look at consolidating the fish limits. "You have to look at the same limits for the inland lakes on Manitoulin as the North Channel and Georgian Bay," he suggested, noting otherwise it will be difficult for MNR officers to determine where the fish were caught. "I see it as a nightmare, particularly for the COs." He said the whole proposal does not make any sense to him. "I have some concerns. I do not think they have addressed the other problems. They have not addressed the cormorant issue, for one," Mr. Gjos noted. He pointed out 75 percent of the fish are taken by cormorants, according to MNR studies, but the ministry has reneged on its promise for control. The MNR is accepting written comments from the public no later than August 15, 2001. The northeast region stretches from the Quebec border to the Town of Manitouwadge and northward from the City of North Bay to Moosonee on the James Bay Coast, covering an area the size of Newfoundland, Labrador and Prince Edward Island (PEI) combined. The region has at least 1,453 lakes containing walleye, representing 35 percent of Ontario's walleye lakes.

 Civic weekend Lots to do on Manitoulin

by Michael Erskine
MANITOULIN---The August Civic Weekend, known to most Manitoulin Islanders as Haweater Weekend, will be chock full of activities and diversions that take place across the Island. In addition to the many and varied events that will be available during Haweater Weekend, the Island's premiere homecoming in Little Current, and the premiere First Nation powwow held during the Civic Weekend at Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve, many groups and organizations will be taking advantage of the thousands of people visiting the Island to promote their own events. The weekend will see the absolute height of the 'yard sailing' season, with garages and driveways, lawns and backyards filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. A quick perusal of the Expositor and Recorder's classified section is a good place for the veteran and beginner yard sailor to start planning their weekend campaign. Auctions, both commercial and private , will give the auction crowd a few hours of diversion, as they seek that special piece to fill out their collections or an inexpensive alternative to buying new, and they can also be found within the advertising pages of the Expositor and Recorder. Gore Bay Theatre Group will be performing Tally's Folly on August 3. This production is the second of the season for this truly fine troupe and tickets for the return bus trip departing from Wally's Dock Service in Little Current at 5:45 pm, can be purchased from Wally's for any of the performance dates. The launch of New World Brave, De-Ba-Jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group's newest play will take place a few days before the weekend begins and will run all through the Civic Weekend. It should prove an interesting addition to the sights and sounds of Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve's annual powwow, as well the Anishnaabe Market will be taking place at the Wiki Mini Mall that same weekend. The Wikwemikong Competitive Powwow draws the very best and most colourful of the competitive First Nation dancers, singers and drummers in an annual gathering which showcases the community at its very best, an attraction second to none for both Native and non-native alike. The area's many museums are a first-rate diversion, and the Sheguiandah Centennial Museum will be especially so on August 4, as curator Linda Kelly will be reading an interview with Little Current's founder, George Abotossaway, from a contemporary travel book she recently acquired through the Internet from England. The reading will be repeated at 2 pm on August 11 for those who find their Haweater schedules too full to make the August 4 event. Food opportunities will abound, from the various vendors that will be attracted to the crowds at Wikwemikong and Haweater in Little Current, to the Holy Trinity Fish Fry, through August 4 and 5 and the annual Papa's Meats Barbecue, which is celebrating the 5th year of business for Papa's. The barbecue will, as always, be giving the proceeds of the event to the Starlight Foundation. Kicking Mule Ranch will be holding its regular Old Time Country music evening on August 5, with bluegrass and southern gospel providing a different musical taste with an evening of entertainment. A great weekend that celebrates the height of the summer system is in store for Haweaters and visitors to the Island alike, and promises to deliver another season of pleasant memories of one of the world's most delightful places. It is truly a great day to live on Manitoulin and a weekend that all Haweaters can be justly proud of.

 Air Crash

by Cheryl Waugh
FITZWILLIAM ISLAND ----- A Thunder Bay pilot had to make an emergency landing in the shallow waters of Fitzwilliam Island last week, as his single engine suddenly cut out, leaving the plane powerless. Peter Huneau, of Thunder Bay, was enroute from Gore Bay to Kincardine last Wednesday, July 25, with his wife, Linda, and another couple, Robert and Candace Hegge, of Kincardine, in a 1967 Mooney aircraft - a low wing, single engine, light plane. "When we were just off the coast of Fitzwilliam Island, the engine let out a big bang, followed by severe vibrations," said Mr. Huneau, from his home in Thunder Bay. The plane was at 3,000 feet and suddenly had no power. He said the engine was trying to turn over, while the vibrations were still continuing. "We had no power, and were going down. I tried to make the landing as soft as possible," said Mr. Huneau. He said he saw Fitzwilliam Island, and decided to head for its shoreline. At just before 6 p.m., he called out a May Day. The Sault Ste. Marie Flight Services - who pilots must log their flight plans with for this area - picked up his distress signal and notified the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police. At 6:14 p.m., Julien Tonge and Gord Bickell, of the OPP, were enroute from Flatpoint in the North Channel, where they were at the scene of a brush fire, to Fitzwilliam Island. Meanwhile, Mr. Huneau lucked out. While in the air he had spotted shallow water around the shoreline of Fitzwilliam Island, and that's where he managed to land, missing the rocky shallower part in front of him, and the deeper water behind him which may have sunk the aircraft. "I did notice while in the air that there was a fairly shallow sloping section," said Mr. Huneau, but he said once he got lower he could no longer see what was beneath him. He decided to hold off dropping the wheels, and just let the plane settle into the water. Once landed, he and his three passengers stepped out onto the wing of the plane, and waded through about four-feet of water to Fitzwilliam's shore. He had landed at the south-west fingers of the Island, just west of Indian Point Less than two hours later, the stranded foursome were picked up by a rescue crew from RCC Trenton, who had dispatched a Helo, twin propeller, search and rescue helicopter. They were taken to hospital in Wiarton with minor injuries. The Manitoulin OPP officers were still enroute to the scene, but were reached by dispatch and they turned back for Manitoulin in order to beat nightfall. However, the officers returned to the site of the plane crash first thing the next morning in order to continue the investigation, and take photographs. They found the plane facing north-west, and submerged in four to five feet of water, about 30 feet off-shore of Fitzwilliam Island. Manitoulin locals who have seen the wreck suspect that a connecting rod broke off from the plane and came up through the engine. Peter Nautilus, of Salve Air, was commissioned by Mr. Huneau's insurance company to locate the plane, and find out whether the plane was recoverable. Mr. Nautilus called local flyer Dave Ham, of Ham's Marine in Manitowaning, to look for the plane, and report back on what might be needed to retrieve the plane. "I found the plane and landed to have a look. I am always a little leery of landing in this area because of the swells from Lake Huron," said Mr. Ham. "The front of the plane was found to be in about four feet of water and the tail section in about eight feet. However, just off the tail section the water deepens to about 20 or 30 feet. I reported to Mr. Nautilus that I though a barge could come in close enough to lift the plane out." The plane was retrieved from the water by barge this past Saturday, and in record time, according to Mr. Nautilus. The plane is currently sitting on a trailer in South Baymouth. Fitzwilliam Island is located just off the south-east corner of Manitoulin Island between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. with files from Diana Smith