What is Black Ash and why is it endangered?

Black Ash is a medium-sized, shade-intolerant hardwood tree species that occurs on moist to wet sites such as swamps, bogs, and riparian areas. While Black Ash is still relatively common throughout Ontario, declines are based on significant damage and death that has occurred in areas affected by Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Black ash is classified as endangered in Ontario based on projected declines in the total number of individuals of greater than 70% over the next 100 years (2 generations). Currently, 53% of the Ontario range is considered susceptible to EAB, and 78.16 – 99.98% of the Ontario range could be affected over the next two generations due to climate change.

What is the Ministry proposing?

When a species is added to the Species at Risk List, it and its habitat must be protected. The Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) is proposing a wait period of two years from the time it is added to the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) list until it cannot be harvested any longer. Because black ash is an important and widespread species, changes to the Act would affect forestry, development, infrastructure, agriculture as well as Indigenous considerations. Black ash is used for tool handles, furniture, woven baskets and paneling, among others.

During the 2-year period, they will gather scientific and socioeconomic information to offer a customized protection to the black ash.

Please click on Read More to fill in the quick survey.

Impala Canada found another way to help out RSMIN Students with Indspire, to apply visit https://indispire.ca

Thank you to all of our Sponsors for making this event a success.

See the map under Read More for locations of these piles. Fuelwood will be burned starting in October 2021 thru to December 2021.

If you will be hunting or in the area please note the signs posted on the road for your safety in that area. Commence drill program will June 22, 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Colleen Kurcinka at mda@rsmin.ca or call (807) 632-8329.

If you will be hunting or in the area, please note the signs posted on the road for your safety. The drill program will commence before March 31, 2021 with no set end date. If you have any questions please contact Colleen Kurcinka at mda@rsmin.ca or call (807)623-4635 extension 210. Click on Read More to see the location.

If you will be hunting or in the area please note the signs posted on the road for your safety in that area. Commence drill program will February 1, 2021. If you have any question please contact Colleen Kurcinka at mda@rsmin.ca or call (807)623-4635 extension 210.

For more information on the Council please click on Read More.

Wrecked, Abandoned, Dilapidated and hazardous vessels (known as vessels of concern, or VOCs) can pose risks to the environment, public health and safety, local interests such as fishing and tourism, and also to culturally sensitive area. The National Strategy on Wrecked and Abandoned Vessels, part of the federal government's Oceans Protection Plan, aims to prevent the occurrence of new VOCs and address those that already exist in Canadian waters. The Coast Guard has been notified of a wreck in Port Coldwell, Ontario (48.756767, -86.535984) we are asking for your feedback on what should happen to these VOCs? Your input would be appreciated especially if you live in the area of Port Coldwell, Ontario. For more information click on "read more"

While the Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) has been lifted, minimizing wildland fires in Ontario continues to be a priority for us – and we are seeking your support. Preventing human-caused fires is everybody’s responsibility. We know we can count on you to help reduce fire hazards and ensure the health and safety of our staff and communities across the province during this wildland fire season.

Indigenous students in Ontario may be eligible for financial assistance through Indspire's Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards (BBF) program to assist them with their post-secondary education.

Dog River-Matawin, Black Spruce, Lakehead, Magpie and Nagagami Forest, to see a map of the area please see below.

March 22, 2020

Dear Citizens,

Over the last several weeks, we have been closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 health situation and have been working to ensure that we are keeping the health of RSMIN staff and citizens the focus of every decision we make. The situation has been very fluid and has been changing daily.

As a result, effective March 21, 2020, our staff will be working remotely and our main office shall be closed until advisories and guidelines put out by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) as well as provincial and municipal public health authorities indicate that it is safe to return to face-to-face business as usual.

We would like to inform the community that during these changes, we are still available for communications online, by email, and by phone, and are operational during normal business hours.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the community for doing their best to assist their local health care providers and not overwhelming our shared health resources.  And for helping your neighbours and those in need. These trying times, but together we shall prevail.

For more information about COVID-19 please see the following links:

Canada's COVID-19 Updates

Self Assessment App

Ontario's COVID-19 Updates

Thunder Bay's COVID-19 Updates

Salute et Meegwetch