DOW ANGLER EDUCATION PROGRAMS RECEIVE NATIONAL AWARD

~Colorado Division of Wildlife nets national attention for fishing education programs.~


The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is receiving national recognition for programs that introduce children, women and families to the sport of fishing.

The National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame recently selected the DOW’s angler education programs for its prestigious 2004 Organizational Award for outstanding accomplishments in education.

“All of these programs are vital to ensuring that there will be future generations of both sportsmen and women and conservationists,” said Robin Knox, sport fish coordinator for the DOW. “We appreciate the recognition and are working to grow and enhance these programs in the future.”

The Organizational Award recognizes the DOW’s urban fishing clinics, including “Take a Family Fishing” and “Ladies Let’s Go Fishing,” the only freshwater angling clinic for women in the United States. A secret ballot of fishing-industry experts determines the winner of the annual award.

Each year, the DOW’s angler education fishing clinics introduce urban and low-income youths to fishing, distributing more than 12,000 rod-and-reel sets to participants. Some 15,000-20,000 children and adults participate in the statewide events. In addition, the DOW stocks small ponds and lakes with 70,000 rainbow trout and 4,000-8,000 channel catfish for annual clinics and events, with most fish measuring 10-16 inches.

The Denver Parks and Recreation District, the Denver Public School System, suburban municipalities, small town recreation districts, local sportsmen’s groups, and fishing tackle retailers are among the other entities that help in the effort.

More than 300 people from multiple agencies help coordinate the “Take a Family Fishing” program as part of National Fishing and Boating Week in June.

For angler education information, contact Scott Gilmore, (303) 291-7512. For sport-fishing information, contact Robin Knox, (303) 291-7362.

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