Kayak and Canoe Event Rallies Support for Maskinonge Recovery

The Maskinonge River Recovery Project Hosts: Up the Maskinonge with a Paddle

NEWMARKET - September 13, 2011 - Local dignitaries and the Maskinonge River Recovery Project (MRRP), a partner initiative with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA), invite the public to participate in a FREE guided-paddle event.

WHO:
The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Government House Leader and York-Simcoe MP
Ms. Julia Munro, York-Simcoe MPP
Mr. Rob Grossi, Mayor of Georgina
Ms. Virginia Hackson, Mayor of East Gwillimbury and LSRCA Chair

WHAT: Up the Maskinonge with a Paddle is a fun way for residents to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about the Maskinonge River and what can be done to protect it. Visitors can bring a canoe, kayak, paddleboat or non-motorized vessel to take part in the guided paddle. The tour will feature over twenty shoreline and habitat restoration projects including, erosion projects with rocks, snapping turtle nesting mounds, invasive species control, and habitat creation for songbirds, bats and wood ducks. Even those without a boat are welcome! There will be environmental displays, children's activities including a live animal exhibit from Kids for Turtles and a free draw for a kayak, paddle and lifejacket.

WHEN: September 17th, rain or shine, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am

WHERE: Parking lot of the Keswick Boston Pizza at 253 Queensway South

Those wishing to take part in the paddle should arrive by 9:30 am

WHY: Since 2008, MRRP partners have worked with landowners along the Maskinonge, to complete shoreline projects to improve the health of the river and Lake Simcoe. Up the Maskinonge with a Paddle is an event that raises awareness about the issues facing the river and the types of projects that can be done to improve its health.

The Maskinonge River Recovery Project (MRRP) is a community based environmental stewardship project whose partners include the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA), York Environmental Stewardship, Save the Maskinonge and the Towns of Georgina and East Gwillimbury. This project is primarily funded by Environment Canada through the Lake Simcoe Cleanup Fund.

For more information contact Andee Pelan, MRRP Coordinator at 905-895-1282 ext. 244 or a.pelan@lsrca.on.ca