Every year, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) recognizes an individual who, in their professional role, makes a significant contribution to conservation. Walter Oster, Chairman, C.E.O. of the Canadian National Sportsmen's Shows (C.N.S.S.), is the 2007 recipient of the R.G. Morgan Professional Conservation Award.
"Those who enjoy fishing in Canada owe a great deal to Walter Oster," said O.F.A.H. Executive Director Mike Reader, who presented the award to Oster at the recent O.F.A.H. 80th Annual General Meeting and Fish and Wildlife Conference in Mississauga. "I have had the pleasure of working with Walter on a number of initiatives, including the rescue of Ringwood Fish Culture Station. He is truly a driving force behind the conservation and recreational use of Canada's fisheries resources, and a great supporter of youth and family fishing opportunities."
With Oster at the helm, the non-profit C.N.S.S. has contributed millions to conservation projects and campaigns in Canada. He also serves as Chair of the Toronto Sportsmen's Show Toronto Sun Great Ontario Salmon Derby held on Lake Ontario, and was instrumental in partnering with the O.F.A.H. to save the Ringwood Fish Culture Station. Ringwood now acts as a centre for the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program, and provides a significant proportion of Lake Ontario's allocation of Chinook and coho salmon, and rainbow and brown trout.
Oster's passion for fishing extends to providing youth with fishing opportunities. He is the key organizer of the Greater Toronto Recreational Fishing Committee that offers youth, who wouldn't otherwise have the chance or the means to fish during the summer and on special licence-free Ontario Family Fishing Weekends.
With 83,000 members and 655 member clubs, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is the leading fishing, hunting and conservation organization in Ontario and the voice of anglers and hunters. For more information visit www.ofah.org .