Canada Enacts New River Rafting Guidelines

In a bit of pure coincidence, I recently reported on efforts in the United States to begin looking into kayak and kayaking laws on the nations coastlines and waterways. Looks like Canada may have beat us to it, as this Press Release has just been made public moments ago.

OTTAWA, April 30 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister
of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced the coming into
force of the Special-purpose Vessels Regulations and the Vessel Operation
Restriction Regulations. These regulations are made under the Canada Shipping
Act, 2001 (CSA 2001).

“Our government is committed to the safety and security of all commercial
and recreational users of Canadian waterways while protecting the
environment,” said Minister Cannon. “To address the increase in traffic on our
waterways, the regulations provide new national river rafting safety
standards, and updated mechanisms to restrict the use of any type of vessel,
including personal watercraft, on designated waters.”

The new Special-purpose Vessels Regulations incorporate industry best
practices by outlining the requirements for all river rafting companies to
have vessel and safety equipment standards such as helmets, lifejackets and
their equivalents, and the circumstances in which they must be worn;
operational standards such as first aid training, familiarization trips and
safety briefings; and the maintenance of detailed records of each excursion.

The updated and renamed Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations make it
possible for local authorities to apply to Transport Canada to place
restrictions on the access of a vessel or class of vessels to specified
waters; the mode of propulsion used; maximum engine power or speed; and
recreational towing activities (e.g., water-skiing). The new regulations also
impose a universal shoreline speed limit of 10 km/h within 30m of the shore in
all rivers and lakes of Nova Scotia, including Bras d’Or Lake.

The Special-purpose Vessels Regulations were pre-published in the Canada
Gazette, Part I on August 11, 2007. The Vessel Operation Restriction
Regulations were first published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on August 18,
2007. A comment period for these regulations was provided, during which
interested parties were encouraged to provide their views to Transport Canada.
The new regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on April
30, 2008.

For further information: Karine White, Press Secretary, Office of the
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa, (613) 991-0700;
Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, (613) 993-0055; Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at
www.tc.gc.ca/e-news and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.; This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.

As you can tell from the Press Release, this is very similar to efforts being proposed in the United States. The guidelines in the U.S., though, only concern kayaking, at this point. This is part of Canada’s new law as published today. If you are heading that way and your intentions are kayaking, boating, ect. it may be in your best interest to contact someone regarding these new laws and regulations. Remember, not knowing a law is not an excuse. Especially in a foreign country.

Photos of Snickers and Gulliver and an Update to Save the Adventurous Duo

A couple of days ago I put up a post called “A Real Saga of ‘Walt Disney’ Proportions: Dog Rescued After Three Months at Sea and Four Months on Pacific Atoll“.

This post outlined an ongoing rescue attempt of two animals, Snickers the dog and Gulliver the Macaw, who had taken quite a journey, then ended up needlessly abandoned on an island in the Pacific. With the help of some very generous people and businesses the two might have a chance at making it back to the US.

I have been contacted by someone very close to this ordeal, who has decided to share an update with myself–which in turn I must share with you. To catch up on the background to this story story just click the first link in this post.

Now For the Update:

Snickers has officially made it back to the United States–Las Vegas, specifically where he has met up with his new owner Jack Joslin. Through the gracious and generous support of Hawaiian Airlines, Snickers was able to board the flight and head back to the mainland safe and sound.

From a first-hand account emailed to me by one of Snicker’s caretakers in Hawaii:

“I’m exhausted - got Snickers off and he’s officially safe in
Las Vegas. You may be the first to hear this. Local press is aware
but we haven’t granted any interviews to anyone else. Photo is of the
two of us at Hawaiian Air’s airport cargo area. He got lots of
playtime before being put in his crate, exhaused, to sleep the flight
away. My sister, Tina Young, picked him up in LA and drove him to Las
Vegas where they met Jack and his other dog, Missy, to meet under
non-stressful conditions. They are going to be one happy family.

Before Snickers’ return to the States, I was taken back by how someone could just leave their pets to fend for themselves. I actually thought money for the rescue might be the issue, and in my previous post on this story, I did mention that the family that owned both Snickers and Gulliver had not been able to be reached. It looks as if this is not the case at all!

“The original owners abandoned the pets. You can be sure I wouldn’t have left the island without them. They left them to fend for themselves or die. Read Martin Troost’s travel book, “The Sex Lives of Cannibals” to get a clear idea of how dogs are treated. Some good
laughs too - it is quite funny. The owners did a Montel Williams show and clearly had no interest in raising awareness about the animals.

The couple that originally found the animals on Fanning Island, Robby and Lorraine Coleman, were actually the ones who kicked off the network that would eventually put an animal rescue mission into place for the forgotten animals. Without them stepping in and trying to make an attempt at this rescue, both Snickers and Gulliver would have met a sure death. The Kiribati government looked at them as an invasive species–one not original to the island–and were setting forth motions that would have certainly resulted in their demise.

Since Snickers has made it safely to Las Vegas and been united with his new owner, the focus of the rescue now lies with Gulliver the Macaw. His situation is a bit different. He was originally purchased in the United States. The previous owners are failing to provide any information as to where the bird was purchased. Macaws are considered an exotic species. Without this information, and with the previous owners failing to cooperate with the rescue attempt, it may mean that originally this bird was obtained illegally–as many of this species are.

With Snickers already in the States and the story playing throughout the press, it is imperative that this saga not be forgotten. Snickers and Gulliver have been around each other for a long time–they began this journey together some four months ago, and it is only fitting that they end it back home where there is a chance for not only survival, but a long and happy life in loving care.

In order to get Gulliver home, there are still some pretty big hurdles in the way. A couple of lawyers have stepped up to make an effort to get through all of the red tape of getting an exotic species back to the United States. If this works, then the effort will commence by trying to gain the support of an avian veternarian. He will be required to make two seperate trips to the country, and then get transportation back to Los Angeles, the only port where birds can be imported from another country.

Those taking part in the recent rescue of Snickers, and hopefully the planned rescue of Gulliver have called on me to publicize their need for support and assistance in this ongoing struggle to ensure both animals get back home. They have specifically mentioned the need for an Avian Vet, and quite possibly the use of a personal jet. The ride from the South Pacific, with Gulliver in tow, can not stop at Hawaii to refuel, but must fly straight through. The project can also use any and all monetary donations, and they have specifically stated that all money donated is tax deductable. You may make a donation to the cause by following this link–Gulliver’s Island: Dedicated to Saving One Special Bird –where even a dollar or two will help drastically in this cause. Stop by, check out the site and project, including Gulliver’s future home.

As for Snickers, a special “THANKS” to all involved for a successful rescue. They include Hawaiian Airlines, the Hawaii Human Society, ‘Lectronic Latitude the online journal of Latitude 38, NCL Cruise Lines, and the big hearts of Jack Joslin and Robby and Lorraine Coleman. A special thanks also goes out to the Press and coverage currently making the rounds. Without this saga in the Press, most of this probably would not have happened.  If I have forgotten anyone, leave a comment.  Your time and resources are appreciated as well!

MyOutdoorTV.Com Launches “State Explorer” to Showcase Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Recreation

This Press Release is being featured in it’s entirety from PRWeb.com.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BusinessWire EON) September 20, 2007 — In addition to the television programming and educational videos streamed through State Explorer, the section provides links to all 50 states where hunting and fishing regulations, wildlife and waterways law enforcement information, and other materials are provided. Shows and videos provided by the states are also searchable by topic or keyword on MyOutdoorTV.com. Hunters, fishermen, and boaters can even purchase licenses through the State Explorer or make donations to the wildlife agency.

MyOutdoorTV.com announced the State Explorer’s launch this week at the annual meeting of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies in Louisville, Kentucky. ‘It’s strategically important for the states to stay on the cutting edge of technology, and with MyOutdoorTV.com, they can do just that,’ commented Rachel Brittin, the association’s Public Affairs Director. ‘They’re giving our member agencies a way to share incredible video with people who wouldn’t otherwise see it.’

States from Washington to Maine have signed on to have their shows streamed through MyOutdoorTV.com, bringing an international audience to their wildlife agencies’ TV shows. Additional states are added weekly. ‘With more and more people accessing news and entertainment through the internet, this is the ideal vehicle for expanding our audience worldwide,’ said Richard Roberts, executive producer of Texas Parks & Wildlife, one of the first state shows appearing on the site.

While hunting and fishing are regular topics of outdoor programming, the wildlife agency shows cover a range of other outdoor recreation topics, such as gold prospecting, crabbing, visits to historic sites, wild game cooking, non-game species, hiking, and much more. ‘We are very proud of Tennessee’s Wild Side and its great programming of family-oriented activities,’ commented Don King, the show’s producer. ‘Our goal is to appeal equally to men, women, and kids.’

‘State wildlife agencies from all parts of the country have joined our State Explorer section,’ said Chris Moise, CEO of MyOutdoorTV.com. ‘We congratulate these states for their progressive wildlife agencies that were quick to recognize the benefits of showcasing their resources on the internet, and we look forward to having every state represented soon.’

Use of MyOutdoorTV.com is always FREE to viewers, 24/7, with no registration required. The site streams shows featuring some of the leading names in the outdoors, including Hank Parker, Roland Martin, Mark Sosin, Larry Czonka, Babe Winkelman, Jimmy Houston, and many others.

MyOutdoorTV.com is the world’s largest internet network for outdoor TV programming, currently streaming over 100 show titles on the shooting sports, fishing, boating, and conservation. In addition, it hosts radio shows, outdoor videos, the new State Explorer section, The Showroom product video section, MyOutdoorWiki, and sections for cooking, travel, guides, outdoor news, and much more. Visit our website at www.myoutdoortv.com.
Media Contact:
MyOutdoorTV.com
Sherry G. Kerr
256-236-3133

A Few Notes From The Adventurist

This seems to be a great new idea.  As many, many sites move from the “print” to the “broadcast” stage of internet exploration, people will be looking to get their information in a quicker fashion.

All 50 states will be represented and should open up the doors to all of you that have always dreamed of being able to educate the public on your particular area of interest. 

Along with that, how nice would it be if you were planning on taking a fishing trip to upper Michigan, to be able to make a couple clicks and instantly find out the laws and pertinent information for the area in which you are planning on going.

A couple of keys from the MyOutdoorTV.com Press Release:

While hunting and fishing are regular topics of outdoor programming, the wildlife agency shows cover a range of other outdoor recreation topics, such as gold prospecting, crabbing, visits to historic sites, wild game cooking, non-game species, hiking, and much more.

This site will actually have the opportunity to not only educate those among us interested in the Outdoors, but may also bring more of the outdoor joy to people who would otherwise not take part in outside activities..

Use of MyOutdoorTV.com is always FREE to viewers, 24/7, with no registration required. The site streams shows featuring some of the leading names in the outdoors, including Hank Parker, Roland Martin, Mark Sosin, Larry Czonka, Babe Winkelman, Jimmy Houston, and many others.

By bringing big name people onboard at the beginning to help in this project, the site is almost guaranteeing a certain success factor.  I can attest to Roland Martin and Jimmy Houston myself–who else could keep you intrigued in the world of fishing?  These guys both add a certain personality flare that is rare to find in the outdoors and am sure they will bring their own personal aspects to MyOutdoorTV.

There is one more HUGE benefit of this site.  Being able to purchase your state hunting or fishing liscence, no matter where you live, will definately add to the viewer participation factor.

Plus, It is all free.  Where else can you find programming like this for free?  No sign-up, no registration..that is unless you purchase a liscence.  Swing on over and check out MyOutdoorTV.com and decide for yourselves.  They are already boasting over 100 different programs in a variety of fields, with new projects being added weekly.  I will definately have to keep my eye on this one.  Let’s all wish them success!