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Fish and Wildlife looking to fill vacant position

The retirement of a Ponoka Fish and Wildlife officer has residents wondering what is next for the area.

The retirement of a Ponoka Fish and Wildlife officer has residents wondering what is next for the area.

Anyone who has called the Ponoka Fish and Wildlife office will have already heard a recorded message stating its office is temporarily closed, but folks do not need to worry, explain officers with the agency.

Clark Merriman, unit inspector with Alberta Fish and Wildlife says they are in the process of hiring a person to fill Glen Chantal’s position, but says finding the person with the right amount of experience for the job takes some time. “I know there is some interest expressed by other officers to relocate to Ponoka.”

A call to the Ponoka office refers people to Wetaskiwin and Red Deer numbers but Merriman suggests if the call is related to enforcement or with problem wildlife, to call the Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.

Until a new officer is hired, Merriman says, staff are working to ensure Ponoka is covered but they will be stretched thin while hiring is taking place. Staff will be making checks in the area though, to make their presence known.

“We generally have good support from the public,” said Merriman.