Educators and Industry Partner With Minnesota DNR To Get Kids Outdoors This Winter
November 20, 2008
How do you get kids involved in ice fishing? Teachers from the Battle Lake and Nevis school districts and members of Ice Team, LLC, set out to answer that question at a recent educator workshop at Glendalough State Park sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) MinnAqua Program.
The workshop is part of an on-going Ice Team/MinnAqua education initiative, which involves strong teacher and community involvement. Through the initiative, MinnAqua, the DNR’s angling and aquatic education program, trains teachers and other community leaders to use MinnAqua’s Leader’s Guide, Fishing: Get in the Habitat!, which covers everything from fish habitat and biology to aquatic resources stewardship, fishing and safety. The leaders then bring the lessons and skills to kids by providing classroom instruction, organizing ice-fishing outings, and soliciting support from local groups and volunteers. Ice Team LLC, a marketing organization representing the ice fishing industry, provides on-ice logistics support, including equipment and angling experts.
According to Mike Smith, director of field promotions for Ice Team, last year’s pilot education program in Minnesota schools was an overwhelming success. The group plans to expand the program this winter and in coming years, targeting schools that have already shown an interest in the MinnAqua program.
“This partnership is about more than just fishing - it’s about education, stewardship, and getting kids outdoors and interested in Minnesota’s fishing heritage,” explained MinnAqua Education Specialist Nadine Meyer.
Battle Lake has tentatively scheduled its fifth and sixth grade ice fishing outing for early January. Plans in Nevis are still pending.
For more information on MinnAqua, visit www.mndnr.gov/minnaqua
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Kids — Let’s Go Fishing with Peabody Mill Environmental Center in Amherst
June 3, 2008
CONCORD, N.H. - Calling all fourth and fifth graders! Are you still trying to find something fun to do to jump-start your summer? Spend a week exploring and fishing the streams, ponds and lakes of the Souhegan Valley with the Peabody Mill Environmental Center (PMEC) and expert instructors from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Let’s Go Fishing Program.
If you have always wanted to know what kinds of birds, bugs and beasts thrive in our wet environments and how to get out and enjoy these resources, then come along as we discover the aquatic life to be found in the Souhegan Valley’s ponds, lakes, streams and wetlands. You’ll learn the skills and equipment needed and resources available to you on your journey to becoming an expert angler. Once the basics are covered, you’ll put your skills to the test and do some fishing!Â
The weeklong adventure will take place Monday, June 23, through Friday, June 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day. Sessions will be held outdoors rain or shine. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from fishing sites. All equipment and materials will be provided.
To sign up, contact Vicki Laforet at PMEC at (603) 673-1141 or go to www.pmec.org and click on “Summer Programs” and look for the 2008 registration form. The classes are open to anyone entering the fourth or fifth grade and parents/guardians are encouraged to stay and join in the fun. A fishing license is not required while participating in this event. The program is free for Amherst residents, however a fee of $95 per person will be charged for non-Amherst residents; fees go toward PMEC staff and facility overhead.
Over the past ten years, the N.H. Fish and Game Department’s Aquatic Education program has taught thousands of children and adults to be safe, ethical and successful anglers. The program is federally funded through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works to conserve, manage and protect the state’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, as well as providing the public with opportunities to use and appreciate these resources.
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New Web Directories To Highlight Minnesota’s Family-Friendly Fishing Lakes
May 13, 2008
Introducing youth to angling will be a bit easier using new web tools being prepared by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) MinnAqua and Fishing In The Neighborhood (FiN) programs.
“Taking children outside and using fishing as a fun way to explain environmental awareness and natural resource ownership is a rewarding experience,” said Roland Sigurdson, MinnAqua education specialist. “But finding a family-friendly place to fish where children really catch fish isn’t always easy.”
FiN, which serves the seven-county metropolitan area, and MinnAqua, the DNR’s aquatic education program, are assembling guides that list ideal places to introduce excitable, young anglers to the sport of fishing. FiN’s booklet will list 50 metropolitan area small lakes and ponds that are managed by the FiN program. MinnAqua’s online guide will list family-friendly lakes in greater Minnesota.
Listings for each location will contain information about species available and successful fishing techniques; driving directions; kid- and family-friendly amenities such as fishing piers, trails, bathrooms, parking, playgrounds, picnic areas, beaches and concession stands; and handicap accessibility.
“Using these guides can make it a lot easier to help kids connect with fishing and get hooked on the outdoors,” Sigurdson said. “Visiting one or more of these lakes also is great way to spend time with your own children.”
FiN works with local partners such as park and recreation departments to create safe family settings in residential areas. FiN will stock fish, conduct population assessments, install fishing structures and restore shoreline habitat.
MinnAqua is a statewide education program designed to teach angling recreation and stewardship as well as the ecology and conservation of aquatic habitats. Using a curriculum that meets academic standards, MinnAqua education specialists and interns partner with schools, youth groups and community organizations to conduct fishing and aquatic education programs throughout the state.
For information about the guides and to find family -friendly fishing lakes, check online at www.mndnr.gov/takemefishing.
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