The Town of Hawkes Bay in conjunction with its operating partner, the Torrent River Salmon Interpretation Centre, are pleased to announce the first of its kind Salmon Symposium scheduled for June 24 – 26, 2011, at the Salmon Interpretation Centre in Hawkes Bay. The Torrent River Salmon Interpretation Centre tells the story of the province’s most successful Atlantic salmon restocking story and promotes environmental stewardship. Lloyd Bennett, Mayor of the Town of Hawkes Bay noted, “The people of Hawkes Bay and region have worked hard over the past 36 years to restore and protect the natural assets of the Torrent River. Working with various government agencies and departments the Town and local residents not only restored the river but moreover, have successfully developed a park, salmon interpretation centre, boardwalk and fishway that are excellent examples of sustainable resource management and community engagement. As Mayor, I invite visitors to visit the Torrent River and see what a small town can achieve when people work together to preserve and protect their environment.”

Salmon Symposium events are open to the public and highlights include a musical tribute to Rufus Guinchard featuring Daniel Payne, Anita Best and the local high school’s fiddling group. Guided tours of the interpretation centre and fishway will be available to symposium participants. In addition, other activities will include interactive salmon releases; fly tying workshops; casting clinics; guided hikes through protected wetland areas with the Dept of Environment and Conservation – Wildlife Division; “Big Catch” fishing contest with the chance to win a SAGE fly rod; kids activities; campfires; salmon dinners; traditional kitchen parties and much, much more. While, the wide array of events and activities will largely take place in and around the centre the venue however, for evening festivities will be the Torrent River Inn, Hawkes Bay. “Come visit where the waters still stir.”

“We have been open for 5 summers and after a lot of hard work, we are ready to showcase the site to new visitors, past visitors along with experts in sustainable resource management” states Regina Rumbolt, Site Manager.  “We planned this event to be a weekend delight with high quality fly tying, fly fishing, learning activities and international guest speakers. Several partners have come onboard to help make the weekend a success” Partnering agencies include the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Department of Environment and Conservation, Department of Tourism, Cultural & Recreation, the St. Barbe Development Association and RED Ochre Regional Board. Sponsors include Nalcor Energy, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Tuckamore Lodge, Sage, Bell Wines and Spirits, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Department of Innovation Trade and Rural Development and others.

Guest Speakers include:
• Hans van Klinken, International Fly Tier, Author, Journalist and Conversationalist
http://www.danica.com/flytier/hklinken/hklinken.htm
• Kate Blubaugh, Goodwill Ambassador to the International Women Fly Fishers http://www.flyonly.info
• Don Hustins – Newfoundland Author, River of Dreams
• Bill Maynard – Hear the story from a local fly fisherman that invested personally to save the Torrent River

For more information, please contact Regina Rumbolt at the following:
Phone: 709 248 4066
Email: info@torrentriver.ca
Website: www.torrentriver.ca
Facebook: Torrent River Salmon Interpretation Centre and Nature Park
Twitter: TorrentRiver

Also view: http://torrentriver.wordpress.com/