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Wednesday, September 27, 2006 · Page 9 Hunters asked to follow regulations, report offenders BY FREE PRESS STAFF The Ontario Conservation Officers Association is encouraging hunters to follow provincial regulations during hunting season. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act includes several regulations. Hunters may not possess a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle, including an all-terrain vehicle or powerboat. All firearms must be unloaded and encased from a halfhour after sunset to a halfhour before sunrise during most firearm seasons for `big game.' All hunters must wear a `hunter's orange' vest and hat. Firearms must not be discharged from roadways, and in much of Southern Ontario they cannot be loaded on roadways, a press release from the OCOA states. In addition to the regulated safety measures hunters are also encouraged to follow several safety recommendations. The OCOA advises hunters to treat every firearm as if it were loaded, always be sure of your target and beyond and practice safe muzzle control. The press release states it is best to tell someone where you intend to hunt, when you expect to return and carry basic survival equipment including matches, a map and a First-Aid kid with you. The OCOA is also asking that hunters protect the area's natural resources by reporting any suspicious activity or hunting violations by contacting the Natural Resource tips Reporting Line at 1 877TIPS-MNR, Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222­TIPS, or their local MNR District Office. Biofuels funding now available OTTAWA ­ Farmers and rural communities across Canada can now benefit from $5 million in federal funds to help them increase their participation in biofuels production. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Chuck Strahl, Minister of Natural Resources Gary Lunn and Minister of the EnvironRona Ambrose ment announced Sept. 20 that the government has released $5 million to fund the Biofuels Opportunities for Producers Initiative. The industry-led councils that deliver Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food program in the provinces and territories are now accepting applications for funding under this program. "Canada's new government announced earlier this year that it is aiming to achieve five percent average renewable fuel in transport fuel by 2010 and this means increasing biofuels production in Canada," said Strahl. "We've listened to farmers and others in rural communities who've told us they need financial support to participate in the value chain. This initiative will help them make sure they can take advantage of the biofuels opportunities that lie ahead." The $5 million in funding is the first wave of funding from a $10 million package announced in July. The initiative will help participants hire experts to help develop business proposals and undertake feasibility studies to expand biofuels production capacity that involves significant (greater than one-third) ownership by farmers. "With over 17 million vehicles on our roads and highways, reducing emissions by improving efficiency and using cleaner fuels is important," said Lunn. "Biofuels are a sustainable, renewable alternative that will diversify Canada's energy mix." "Our five percent target for the average renewable content in Canadian motor fuels will have real environbenefits for mental Canadians," said Ambrose. "This initiative is one element of a practical, resultsoriented approach that my colleagues and I will be rolling out over the coming months to protect the health of Canadians." Agriculture and AgriFood Canada will make the remaining funds available through the provincial and territorial councils based on demonstrated project demands in early winter 2007. Application procedures and deadlines for this first wave of funding will be determined by each council. For more information on how to apply, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/bopi. Hardwood Flooring Auction Over 25,000 Square Feet 13400 Desro Dr., Tecumseh (Corner of E.C. Row Expressway and Manning Road) McKenzie's Associated Auctioneers in asssociation with Richard Lavin Auctions has been instructed to sell an incredible inventory of Granite and Porcelain Tiles, Laminate Flooring, and Solid Hardwood Flooring including quality woods such as Oak, Maple, Kempas, and Bamboo! Solid Hardwood Flooring and Laminate Flooring SAVE ON RETAIL PRICES! Saturday, September 30, 2006 10:00 A.M. Preview: 8:30 a.m. - up to sale time day of sale 15% Buyers Premium Cash, Visa, M/C, Debit Card or Certified Cheque ACCELERATED MARKETING SPECIALISTS Associated AuctioneersTM JOHN B. McKENZIE & Associates Web Site: www.mckenzieauction.com McKENZIE'S Phone (519) 453-7182 1-800-265-1906 Fax (519) 451-2443 Call 776-4268 ADVERTISE! IT PAYS TO