March 11,2002

Minister Kevin Alyward
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
St. John’s, NL.

Dear Mr. Alyward:

As a member of the N.L.W.F., I am seeking information on the Terms of Reference of the newly formed Legacy Nature Trust fund. It is my understanding that this newly(government funded) resource advisory group was founded as the result of the disbanding of IFWAC.

The N.L.W.F. is a legitimate organization that represents approximately 100,000 hunters and fishermen. Yet, up to this time you have not seen it appropriate to appoint a member from N.L.W.F to set with the board as a member of this Legacy Nature Trust Fund. If you and your government can approve a $1,000,000 SEED grant fund, then I see no reason why a member of N.L.W.F. cannot set with the organization. This was public taxpayer’s dollars. If representatives of the Salmonid Council and Partridge Forever Society can have representation, then it makes absolutely no sense why a member from N.L.W.F. cannot have a voice at this table. If you do not choose a member to represent the N.L.W.F., then it has to be because of political reasons. If that is the case Mr.Alyward then the resource management of this province is not very visible or tenable. Therefore, I am requesting that you appoint a member of the N.L.W.F to the Newfoundland and Labrador Legacy Trust Fund.

It is also my understanding that this coming Fall and Winter, we (the citizens) of ths province will have to pay an additional $8.50 for a Turr License. Need I remind you Mr. Alyward that when we joined confederation in 1949, the Turr was not part of the Migratory Games Bird Act. This past year, Turr hunters were required to purchase a Migratory Game Bird License, without constitutional amendments, now to add insult to injury, you are asking Turr hunters of this province to pay an additional $8.50 as a stamp, that will be paid to support a Legacy Trust Fund which appears to be a select group of individuals with their own agendas about the resource management in this province. Mr. Alyward, if you are going to allocate $1,000,000 of public(Taxpayers money) funds, in addition charge me $8.50 for a STAMP, I believe that if we live in a democratic country, then I or someone I choose to represent me should have a voice, particularly, since those individuals are going to determine the future direction of resource management in this province.

Sincerely Yours,

Ward Samson- NPORCA, P.O. Box 174, Main Brook, Nf