The La Ronge Wildlife Federation has a new leadership and new focus.
The federation promotes responsible angling, hunting, and conservation.
In previous years, the membership has tended to consist mainly of middle-aged men.
By increasing their presence on social media, the organization is hoping to encourage more young people to get involved.
“One of our new executive members is a teacher at Senator Myles (Venne School) and he’s very excited and wants to bring forward some ideas about how we can invest in some programs for classrooms there to promote conservation,” newly elected president Abby Besharah says.
Besharah adds the organization currently only accepts cheques or cash at a few select locations, which is an inconvenience to some members.
“I think it’s opening up different ways to become a member. One of the things brought forward was to pursue online banking so that we can accept electronic payment.”
With a federation membership, people gain access to the La Ronge gun range, receive a bi-monthly copy of the Outdoor Canada West magazine and obtain comprehensive insurance coverage.
Besharah adds another way the federation is hoping to increase membership is by funding small infrastructure projects around La Ronge to get their name out.
One such suggestion is a shelter for downtown skaters.
She says some of the projects that have been cancelled in recent years, such as hatcheries and fishing derbies, could also be resurrected.
Besharah says she believes the new leadership will refocus how the federation connects with the community and hopefully more people will come forward with new ideas and partnership opportunities.
(PHOTO: La Ronge Wildlife Federation logo. Courtesy of LWF Facebook page.)