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/ 4 The Canadian Statesman TVuAtMde*, Bowmanville, Saturday, May 15,1993 Exotic Pet A Threat To Wildlife An imported animal called the black-tailed prairie dog is just another another example why proposed legislation legislation collecting dust at Queen's Park should be immediately passed to protect protect the environment, according to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH). The black-tailed prairie dog is be- . ing bred in the United States and is appearing in southern Ontario pet stores, but it's a non-native species that could pose a real threat to Ontario Ontario wildlife if it escapes to the wild. It's also considered a major agricultural agricultural pest. x Bill 162, which has been awaiting final passage for months, has been put on the back burner at Queen's Park. If passed, the legislation would, among many other things, give the government the power to stop the importation importation of exotic "undesirable" species species such as the black-tailed prairie dog. "This is just one of a growing number of exotic species being brought into the province that could survive in the wild," said Dr. Terry Quinney, OFAH provincial coordinator coordinator of fish and wildlife services. "Honestly, we don't know exactly what the effect of introducing this species would be. But we do know that it's bad ecological practise to move animals into an environment that they've never been in before. We can expect negative consequences." Ironically, the species is on the endangered endangered list in its native southern Saskatchewan. For years, western farmers have tried to eradicate the animal animal because it burrows incessantly. • Quinney said other introduced species, such as red deer which are used on game farms, have proven a real liability to the environment. If Bill 162 is passed, the government can insist on full environment assessment assessment before allowing a species into the province. Other positive components contained contained in Bill 162 include stiffer fines for poaching and greater protection for many non-game species. The bill is proposed to replace the existing Game and Fish Act and will affect all fish and wildlife in Ontario. The OFAH has represented the interests interests of conservation in Ontario since 1928. With 74,000 members, it's Ontario's largest conservation organization. organization. Symposium Discusses Government Programs Available to Business On May 18 and 19, 1993, a symposium symposium of Government Programs for Industry and Business will be held at Le Gala in Whitby. This event which is the first of its kind in Durham Region, is being hosted by the Economic Development Development Departments of the Towns of Whitby, Pickering, Ajax and Newcastle, Newcastle, City of Oshawa, Townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge, Region of Durham, and Durham Region Manufacturers Association. On day one of the symposium, over 50 Provincial and Federal Government Government assistance programs in the areas of research and development, financing, training, manufacturing and trade, will be explained which can assist industry and business in Durham Region to become more competitive. On day two of the symposium, business will meet one-on-one with the government representatives to discuss specifics about the programs as it relates to their company. Mr. Brian Costello, financial and tax advisor to business, will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon on day one (May 18)., Government agencies represented include: Ministry of Economic Development Development & Trade; Ontario Development Development Corporation; Federal Business Business Development Bank; Industry Science & Technology Canada; Canada Canada Employment & Immigration; National National Research Council; Revenue Canada; Ministry of Education & Training; Ministry of Labour, Innovation Innovation Ontario; Ministry of Transportation; Transportation; Ministry of Agriculture & Food. COMPOST RIGHT FOR ÆBAREDUŒD ( m V AJl 1 " Buy o Dockyard Composter for Just Durham Region can help you compost your organic kitchen and yard waste, easily, in your own backyard. A selection of compostera are available now, for only $15 each, or a distributor close to you. Composting and recycling, together, con moke o big difference in reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. Not only will the environment benefit, your garden will be greener from the nutrient rich compost you odd to the soil! Pick up the composter of your choice of one of the following locations.- Newcastle: Pickering: Newcastle Lumber Limited Sheridan Nurseries Hwy. #2, East of Mill Sr. The Home And Design Centre Rekker Gardens 1755 Pickering Parkway Two kms West of Bowmanville Ajax: Hwy. #2, Bowmanville Picov's Greenhouses Whitby: 380 Kingston Rd. E. OG5 Landscape Do-lr Centre Brock: 5515 Thickson Rd. North, Vieveen's Nursery North of Taunton Rd., Brooklin 468 Mora Rd., Beaverton Oshowo: Units may also be purchased ar rhe Holland Building Centre Beaverton, Canningron and Sunderland 1277 Wilson Rd. North, Oshowo Municipal offices. ■ -V-.. z w, v-4 cumpujici iwi vim vjvivmivMiui uiui.yc <ui pu lui i utf uirungeo oy coning rne "Srudenrs for rhe Environment" Hotline. For every unit ordered over the Hotline, SFTE will donate S3 to either the Ajax/Pickering United Way or to the United Way of Oshawa/Whirby/Neweasrle (rhe choice is yours). When you buy a composter, you'll also get o Guide To Home Composting - free - plus o We Compost sticker for your Blue Box that tells your neighbours you recycle and reduce. For additional information, please call Durham Region's Compost Hotline at 1-800-667-5671, or for home delivery service call the SFTE Hotline at 1-800-567-9756. DURHAM REGION 5» «DURHAM: