MNRWATCH
Keeping Tabs on the Role of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
The MNR&F stands as a bastion of responsibility when it comes to the sustainable management of Ontario’s fish and wildlife resources. Their mission is to ensure that the province’s ecosystems thrive for generations to come, securing the delicate balance between nature and human activity. Beyond wildlife, the MNR&F plays a pivotal role in managing Ontario’s Crown lands, water, oil, gas, salt, and aggregates resources. They are tasked with making Crown land available for renewable energy projects, contributing to the province’s green energy initiatives. The ministry is committed to the responsible stewardship of Ontario’s Crown forests, recognizing their significance not just for timber but as vital components of the province’s ecological health.
During times of crisis, the MNR&F is on the front lines, protecting people, property, and communities from forest fires, floods, and droughts. Their dedicated efforts ensure public safety and minimize damage. In today’s data-driven world, geographic information is a powerful tool. The MNR&F employs it to make informed decisions in managing the province’s natural resources. This approach ensures that their actions are both effective and sustainable.
Stay Informed with Our Updates
As your trusted source for news and insights, we will keep a watchful eye on the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. We’ll bring you the latest developments, policies, and initiatives aimed at preserving Ontario’s natural beauty and promoting sustainable practices. Join us as we watch the critical efforts of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Together, we can celebrate the richness of Ontario’s wilderness and work toward a harmonious coexistence with the environment.
MNRF Conservation Officers need your help in identifying who is responsible for shooting and abandoning a moose carcass near Roseneath
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is asking the for the public’s help with identifying the individual(s) who abandoned a moose carcass near the town of Roseneath. On October 9th, 2022, Conservation Officers responded to complaints of a moose...
MNRF Conservation Officers need your help in identifying who is responsible for shooting and abandoning a bull moose near Blind River
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is asking the for the public’s help with identifying the individual(s) who shot and abandoned a bull moose near Blind River. On October 5, 2022, Conservation Officers responded to complaints of a dead moose located...
$6500 in Fines (1 year Licence Suspension) For Shooting at Moose Decoy
The Ontario government is safeguarding the public from unsafe and illegal hunting practices. Mark Upton from McDougall pleaded guilty to careless use of a firearm. He received $6,500 in fines and a one-year hunting licence suspension. He will also have to successfully...
MNRF News Release – Moose Hunting Violations – 5 Individuals – $44000 in Fines
The Ontario government is safeguarding moose from illegal harvesting. Evidence was gathered over a 32-month period as part of a joint investigation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Environment Canada and Quebec’s Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and...
City of Burlington taps into Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry coyote experts
The City of Burlington has met with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Provincial Services Division to gain expert advice on the current situation and next steps to deal with a family of aggressive coyotes in south central Burlington. MNRF staff...
Hunter Fined $7,000 and suspended for 5 years for illegal moose hunt.
The Ontario government is safeguarding moose from illegal hunting activities. Syed Muhammad Mehdi Rizvi of South Hampton was fined $5,000 for hunting moose without a licence, $1,000 for trespassing for the purpose of hunting and $1,000 for making a false statement to...
Ministry’s incompetent effort to save caribou could have the opposite effect
It may be a fool’s errand trying to stop change, but for caribou, such beautiful and enigmatic animals, it is absolutely worth trying — if it can be done wisely and effectively and without interference from those charged under law to protect them’ Recently I wrote an...
$10,000 in fines for killing moose without licence during closed season.
The Ontario government is safeguarding moose populations by ensuring hunters don’t hunt without a licence. Marc Labelle of no fixed address was found guilty by trial in absentia and was fined $8,000 for hunting big game without a licence, $1,000 for hunting moose...
COVID-19 virus detected in five Ontario deer: officials
Five deer have tested positive for COVID-19, Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says. This marks the first time the virus has been detected in wildlife in the province. In a post on Facebook on Tuesday, the ministry said samples were collected from...
Toronto Men Fined For Over The Limit Walleye
The Ontario government is protecting fish populations by ensuring anglers don’t over fish. Remigijus Dubinskas of Mississauga pleaded guilty to catching an over-limit of walleye and was fined $700. In addition, his Ontario fishing licence was cancelled, and he is...
Ministry of Natural Resources working to trap group of wild boars with potential to ‘spread rapidly’ in Pickering
The Ontario government is working to “trap and remove” a sounder of wild boars roaming east of Toronto that have the ability to “spread rapidly” if not contained. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry told CTV News Toronto on Monday that they were first...
Opinion: Ontario’s moose population is falling and I have pretty good idea why
Alan Bisset is a retired ministry biologist and the former wildlife inventory program leader, who says the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has mismanaged Ontario’s moose population for years and the declining numbers of animals prove it. ----------- When I...
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to air drop rabies vaccine packets in eastern Ontario
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will be flying over parts of eastern Ontario in the latter half of August to help vaccinate wildlife against rabies. The province controls rabies in wildlife by dropping baits that contain vaccine in urban, forested...
Moose Poacher Fined $20,000 for Shooting a Cow and Calf During Closed Season
The Ontario government wants to remind hunters that it is important to adhere to big game tagging requirements specific to the sex and age of the animal to protect our valuable natural resources. Paul Markewycz of Mississauga pleaded guilty to two counts of hunting...
Ontario Investing in Significant Wetland Restoration Projects
Partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada helping conserve provincial wetlands ST. THOMAS — The Ontario government is partnering with Ducks Unlimited Canada to enhance and restore approximately 60 local wetlands across the province over the next year, as part of a...
MNRF NEWS – Seeking Public’s Help – Wasted Walleye
On May 21st, 2021 conservation officers responded to reports of abandoned walleye dumped in the south branch of the Muskoka River near the Ontario Power Generation station. Officers found 64 rotting walleye carcases, some of which were left to waste whole. There was...
$9,000 in Fines and Hunting Suspension for Illegal Moose Hunt and Attempted Coverup
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) wants to remind hunters that all cases of misidentification of moose which lead to a moose being hunted without a licence should be reported to a conservation officer immediately. René Lemieux of Mattice pleaded...
$3,000 in Fines for Illegal Deer Hunt and Providing False Information
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) would like to remind the public that it is illegal to make a false or misleading statement to a conservation officer and to transfer or use another person’s outdoors card, licence, tag or any component of a licence...
$4,000 in Fines and Two-Year Suspension for Fishing Violations
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) wants to remind anglers that fishing regulations are in place to maintain a sustainable fishery for future generations to enjoy. Gordon G. Butson of Newmarket pleaded guilty and was fined $4,000 for possessing an...
Ontario Taking Action Against Invasive Species, Including Wild Pigs
Province seeks public input into draft wild pig strategy and updates to Invasive Species Act TORONTO —The Ontario government is protecting the economy and environment by expanding protections to prevent invasive species from establishing or spreading in the province....
Two Men Fined $1,800 for Closed Season Brook Trout Fishing and Safety Violations
Two Men Fined $1,800 for Closed Season Brook Trout Fishing and Safety Violations The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) wants to remind anglers that fishing regulations and seasons are in place to maintain sustainable fisheries for future generations to...
Illegal Moose Hunt Results in $3,200 in Fines and a 15-year Hunting Licence Suspension
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) wants to remind moose hunters that they can only harvest moose with the proper licence. Four men have been fined a total of $3,200 for moose hunting-related offences. Conservation officers launched an investigation...
Dryden Area Man Fined $5,500 For Attempted Deer Poaching
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) wants to remind hunters that shooting from a vehicle is both dangerous and illegal. An investigation by the MNRF has resulted in a Dryden area man being fined $5,500 for attempting to illegally kill a deer. Ronald...
Authority of governments over Indigenous hunting and fishing questioned at North Bay trial
54 people from around Lake Nipissing are on trial for hunting and fishing violations A trial underway this week could have far reaching implications for the Indigenous people of northern Ontario and across Canada. The defence is arguing that no governments, not even...
Moose Hunting Violations Result in $9,500 in Fines and Licence Suspensions
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry wants to remind hunters that they require a valid licence to hunt moose, and that it is illegal to place a tag on a moose harvested by another hunter that is not part of the same hunting party. An investigation by the...
Logging in Algonquin park is just one example how Ontario is failing to protect nature
One side-effect of COVID-19 restrictions has been a renaissance in our collective appreciation for nature. All over the province, people have flocked to forests, wetlands and beaches to seek solace, wildlife sightings and places to safely be with others. Many parks...
ICE HUT OWNER CHARGED
(POWASSAN, ON) - The North Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged an ice hut owner on Wasi Lake in the Municipality of Powassan. On January 9, 2021, police received a call of concerns against Covid-19 regulations of too many people at an...
Ontario Enhancing Protection for Species at Risk
Increased investment to help preserve plants, insects, fish and wildlife throughout the province TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing up to $4.5 million to help protect and recover plants and animals that are in danger of disappearing in the province. The...
$3,000 in Fines and Firearm Forfeiture for Illegal Night Hunting
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) wants to remind hunters that hunting at night is both dangerous and illegal. An investigation by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has resulted in two people being fined a total of $3,000 for hunting...
Three southern Ontario men being fined a total of $10,000 for hunting violations.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry wants to remind hunters that shooting across a road is both dangerous and illegal. An investigation by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has resulted in three southern Ontario men being fined a total of...