Lynx quota centre of controversy

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The tough restrictions on lynx trapping that were imposed by the Alberta government Sept. 30 will stay in place despite a plea from a united opposition of Aboriginal organizations.

Leaders of Alberta's three Aboriginal associations met with Wildlife Minister LeRoy Fjordbotten last week to discuss the disputed decision and to call for the easing of the quota which restricts the trapping of lynx to one per trapping area.

"He (Fjordbotten) gave no assurance," said Indian Association president Gregg Smith. "But we made three recommendations: first to immediately postpone the quota, to take steps to develop a better liaison between the minister and the trappers, and a joint commission to establish an independent study on trapping in Alberta."

Although Fjordbotten rejected Smith's first recommendation, a Wildlife spokesman said the other recommendations would be looked into.

However, association Treaty 8 vice-president, Lawrence Courtoreille says he feels the quota was based on poor research.

"The research was done south of Athabasca near a railroad, highways were on each side and it was farmland. I don't have to be a biologist ? I can tell there is no lynx in Edmonton," he said.

Native Council of Canada president, Doris Ronnenberg agrees with Courtoreille adding she felt the research "does not warrant these drastic measures."

"I am not saying the researchers were doing anything wrong, but they should research an area where lynx usually live," she said.

However, Alberta Fish and Wildlife unit manager, Arlon Todd says the quota was applied after a number of studies and consultation with trapping organizations was carried out.

"There was a broad range of evidence, including comprehensive studies on lynx that included observations and reports by trappers. The quota was not based on just one study," he said.

Courtoreille and Ronnenberg also say they are particularly concerned over the lack of information regarding the quota.

"Many of the trappers just don't know about the quota," said Ronnenberg. "What if a trapper catches more than his quota," adds Courtoreille. "He may not get into trouble for the second pelt, but after the third pelt he may get charged."

But Todd counters that he has given instructions that if a trapper catches one extra lynx he will receive half the usual pelt fee and if a third and subsequent catches are made, the pelt will be confiscated and the resulting funds placed in the Fish and Wildlife preservation fund.

"But we will be reviewing the quotas annually," he added. "And as the lynx again becomes abundant, we will lift the ban."

However, many trappers have informed both the Indian Association and the Native Council of Canada (Alberta) that they are unaware of the quota.

Metis trapper Marcel Harp from the Anzac area says he was unaware of the quota and feels the new legislation was formed to push him and other Native trappers out of business.

"It's a bunch of garbage," he said of the quota. "They (the government) are trying to do away with the trapper completely and make (fur) farms for the rich," he said, adding that a lot of non-Native trappers have turned to fur farming instead of the traditional trapping industry.

However, another Metis trapper Rita Callan, also from the Anzac area, says she was aware of the quota and she agrees with it.

"There isn't hardly any lynx left and I feel if they keep trapping them we are not going to see any lynx, except maybe in the zoo."

Callan would like to see a total ban on lynx trapping for two years in order to allow the animal to repopulate because she feels the quota will only encourage trapping.

"There's going to be a black market and the prices will go up . . . then you will see more trapping," she said.

Although many Aboriginal groups say the new quota infringes upon Treaty rights, Callan disagrees ? she feels the quota has nothing to do with treaty rights.

However, both Smith and Courtoreille counter with the opinion hunting an trapping rights were built into the treaties and any restriction jeopardizes those rights.

"There will be some people who will continue trapping them (lynx) and we may have to go to court with this," said Smith.

Many trappers depend on the lynx pelt which is worth between $500 to $1,000 each.

Metis Association president Larry Desmeules was present at the meeting with the minister. However, Desmeules office informed Windspeaker that he was unavailable for comment at press time this week.