Florida Fish Busters’ Bulletin - Fishing remains a fun, healthy tradition available to everyone
September 29, 2008
Freshwater fishing is one of the many outdoor recreational activities encouraged by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The FWC views outdoor recreation as a tremendously beneficial opportunity that should be available to all residents and visitors, and it strives to provide quality fishing, hunting and wildlife-viewing opportunities.Â
Cheryl Charles, president of the Children and Nature Network, points out, “People throughout the world are increasingly connected by a resonance and passion, to create a new common sense for the good health of children today and generations to come.”Â
Dr. Andrew Lepp, assistant professor of recreation, park and tourism management at Kent State, said the benefits from outdoor recreation are varied and plentiful. Outdoor recreation has psychological benefits, including the prevention or reduction of stress and improved self-esteem, confidence and creativity. Lepp also contends it adds to spiritual growth and leads to an increased sense of exhilaration, adventure and challenge from life. Getting outside provides physical benefits, such as aerobic, cardiovascular and muscular fitness, as well as improved functioning of the immune system.
It even offers benefits for the social life. The great outdoors affords social benefits, such as bonding with like-minded people who also enjoy outdoor activities, and feeling an increased pride in your community and nation.
The economy benefits from all of this activity as well. Outdoor recreation creates job opportunities for others, which leads to economic growth and preservation of the natural areas needed for outdoor recreation increases property values. The workplace wins because people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation tend to be more productive at work, Lepp said.
The list continues with positive outcomes for the environment. People who participate in outdoors activities usually have increased environmental awareness. This awareness translates to increased involvement in environmental issues.
Specific activities such as fishing can add to the enthusiasm and provide a fun challenge to become increasingly skillful. In Florida, the abundance of natural waters (7,700 named lakes, 12,000 miles of fishable rivers and canals) means the opportunity is available to everyone. From digging worms and making your own cane pole, to casting a lure, you develop a connection with nature that comes naturally and has been an American tradition since long before Mark Twain’s tales of the adventurous Huck Finn.
Every year the FWC works with the Florida Disabled Outdoor Association at its Sportsability event, and this year we joined them at the Family CafĂ© event in Orlando. These opportunities reinforce the pure fun of experiencing nature, and we redouble our commitment to making fishing accessible for everyone.Â
Clay Dyer - a professional bass fisherman who was born without lower legs, no arm on the left and a partially developed arm on the right - inspired hundreds of individuals with physical and mental challenges during his motivational presentation at the Family Café event. Clay is a hero and inspiration to virtually everyone he touches with his life story, which he calls “The View from Down Here is Just Fine.” He is also a spokesperson for the C.A.S.T. for kids program.
The FWC is doing its part by teaching kids to fish, sponsoring Becoming an Outdoors-Woman events, helping create bank-fishing access and building accessible boat ramps, courtesy docks and fishing piers. Most importantly, the FWC is dedicated to conserving and enhancing fisheries habitat and fish populations for everyone.Â
We invite you to get outdoors and take someone with you, so you can enjoy all the benefits of getting back to nature.
Instant licenses are available at MyFWC.com/License or by calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Report violators by calling *FWC or #FWC on your cell, or 1-888-404-3922. Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Updates for more Fish Busters’ columns.
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Florida Youth Field Day Promises Family Fun
September 8, 2008
All school-age kids and their families are invited to a free outdoor program called the Youth Field Day on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the Ocala Conservation Center in the Ocala National Forest.
The event is free and includes a chance to try shooting a shotgun, rifle and bow and arrow, as well as fishing, canoeing and kayaking – all with expert instruction.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Heart of Florida Chapter of Buckmasters and numerous partners are holding this hands-on program for the first time and hope to make it an annual event.Â
“The Youth Field Day is a great chance for kids of all ages, and their parents, to come out to a beautiful setting in the forest and learn several outdoor activities under the watchful eyes of experts,” said Greg Workman, director of the FWC’s Ocala Conservation Center and event co-organizer.
In addition to the hands-on activities, there will be live programs by the Florida Division of Forestry Fire Safety Clowns, FWC K-9 Bubba and his partner Officer Jeff Gier, interpretive historical displays about the Civil War and the Mountain Men, door prizes and lunch. The first 70 kids to sign up get free membership in the National Wild Turkey Federation Jakes Program.
“Our goal is to give families a better appreciation of the many fun, safe and healthy outdoor recreational activities and opportunities available,” Workman said.
For more information on the Youth Field Day call Workman at the FWC Ocala Conservation Camp, 352-625-2804.
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Water Sports Enthusiasts Sought For Boating Committee
May 29, 2008
The Clark County Commission is accepting applications from boating enthusiasts who are interested in filling one of two vacancies on the county’s seven-member Boating Facilities and Safety Committee. Applicants must be a resident of Clark County.
One vacancy is for an individual who is a member of a nonprofit organization involved in outdoor recreational activities associated with boats and boating. The second vacancy is for a member of the general public who is not identified with a specific organization.
The new members will serve two-year terms beginning in July. The Boating Facilities and Safety Committee is a volunteer board that advises the County Commission on how to spend marina fuel taxes generated at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Interested boating and water sports enthusiasts are urged to call the Clark County Manager’s Office at (702) 455-3530 to obtain an application. Completed applications must be submitted to the Manager’s Office by 1 p.m. June 19, and applicants are encouraged to briefly address the committee during its 2 p.m. meeting that same day. New members are appointed by the County Commission based on recommendations from the committee.
Since the committee was created in 1986, more than $1 million in marina fuel tax revenue has paid for safety programs, equipment and educational projects that promote boating and water safety at Lake Mead, Lake Mojave and on the Colorado River.
Current members of the committee represent the Nevada Yacht Club, Desert Valley Water Safety Council, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Las Vegas Sail & Power Squadron, Lake Mead Boat Owner’s Association, the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the public at large.
The committee typically meets six times a year. Meetings are held at the County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway in downtown Las Vegas.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org
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Celebrate Earth Day – Let’s Go Outside!
April 20, 2008
In celebration of Earth Day and National Children & Nature Awareness month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is encouraging you to get outside and enjoy the beauty and spring-time wonders of the natural world.Â
The Service recently launched its Let?s Go Outside! initiative to encourage Americans to spend time outdoors. It’s a great way to foster meaningful experiences for the entire family and create a life-long connection to the environment. Recent research has shown it can also improve one?s overall health and well-being.
“There may be no greater legacy than connecting children with nature that the Service can leave for future generations,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall. “We are joining the nationwide movement to invite families to turn off their digital music and video games and spend some quality family time outside.”Â
The Let’s Go Outside! initiative stems from a summit with Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods - Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.” Current research shows the American people, especially children, are spending less time involved in outdoor recreational activities than any previous generation. Nature is important to children’s development - intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically; and research indicates that as our youngsters’ connection with nature has diminished, childhood ailments and medical problems have vastly increased. Even the simple activity of playing outside helps children develop better motor skills, physical fitness and general health, and can create a life-long appreciation for the environment.Â
For more than a century, the Service has provided numerous wildlife-oriented public use opportunities at National Wildlife Refuges and other field projects. The Let’s Go Outside! initiative will refocus the Service’s current programs or design new programs to increase opportunities for all Americans, especially children, to forge a new connection with nature. These include activities such as hunting, fishing, observing and photographing wildlife, or simply exploring and discovering nature on National Wildlife Refuges and local parks, or creating schoolyard habitats to bring nature to children.Â
April 2008 was named Children & Nature Awareness month by the Children and Nature Network, and April 22, 2008 is Earth Day. During the month of April, countless opportunities are being offered for children and adults nationwide to enjoy outdoor activities.Â
Spending family time outside is easy and fun. Below are just a few examples of how the Fish and Wildlife Service is providing opportunities in your community:
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Alaska
On Saturday, April 19, 2008, the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, and Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies are hosting a “Kids in Nature Workshop” for parents and caregivers of children ages 5-10. The event will include a slide show featuring outdoor recreational opportunities for children in the Kachemak Bay area, and environmental educators will introduce several outdoor, hands-on activities adults can try with their youngsters.
California
The San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex’s Environmental Education Center is sponsoring several events. On April 26, families can help enhance wildlife habitat along Guadalupe Slough by removing trash and recyclables from wetlands and levees adjacent to the slough. Then on April 27, families will have the opportunity to enhance upland habitat for migratory birds and resident animals by planting native species in the Refuge’s chemical-free native plant garden.
Florida
In partnership with Tarpon Bay Explorers and the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will host Earth Day 2008 on Saturday, Apr. 19, with the theme Reconnect: Earth, Family, Fitness. The first 100 kids to arrive for Earth Day will receive a free Let’s Go Outside! explorer backpack containing binoculars, sunglasses, a magnifying glass, a compass and more. Tarpon Bay Explorers, the refuge’s official concessions operator, will be providing free bike use on-site at the refuge. Rangers will host programs on alligators and crocodiles and endangered species. Families can also participate in arts and crafts activities.
Idaho
The Dworshak National Fish Hatchery volunteers and staff will provide environmental education programs on April 22, 24 and 26. The activities focus on fisheries, wildlife, soils, fire, noxious weeds, insects and forestry. The days’ events are conducted outdoors on the banks of the river providing a great natural setting to help teach environmental conservation.
Kansas
The Great Plains Nature Center is the destination for numerous school and youth groups celebrating Earth Day in Kansas. The nature center at Chisholm Creek Park is an “outdoor classroom.” Visitors have access to a 3,400 square foot exhibit hall with displays and exhibits, a wildlife observatory overlooking a wetland, 2,200-gallon aquarium with native Kansas fishes, and two classrooms filled with live critters including screech owls, a burrowing owl, and scads of snakes.
Missouri
On Sunday, April 20, the Service’s Missouri Field Office will participate in an Earth Day event in Columbia, MO, and will be performing Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax play with children from the Lee Expressive Arts School on stage at the event.
Montana
There will be something for everyone during Montana Outdoor Science School’s 10th Annual Watershed Festival held at the US Fish Wildlife Service’s Bozeman Fish Technology Center. An expected 800 children and their families will celebrate the return of spring and the important role water plays in our world. The festival promotes environmental awareness and responsible stewardship. This free community event will be held on May 17th and involves numerous hands-on activities, fun presentations and educational displays.Â
Nationwide
On April 22, 2008, the Society for Public Health Educators will host a Webinar about reconnecting our nation’s children with the natural world. Health professionals, conservation organizations, environmental education groups and various government entities will listen to presentations and participate in discussions about the various health benefits of reconnecting kids with our National Parks, Wildlife Refuges, and other wonderful forms of nature.
Nevada
The McCarran Ranch near Reno, Nevada, will highlight a multi-partner wetland/river restoration project on the Truckee River on April 22. The Service’s Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office and The Nature Conservancy will provide 240-360 school children a hands-on opportunity to learn about wetlands, river functions, native and non-native vegetation, and how the ranch lands were restored.Â
New Mexico
Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge is sponsoring a Youth Forum for the Environment on April 19 and 20. The forum is a networking opportunity for teenagers in the southwest who have undertaken a significant project that improves the natural environment in their community. Students from 10 different schools in Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico will present their projects to each other, participate in a Service research project, and meet Service biologists and quiz them on their careers.Â
Virginia
Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia is hosting their annual eagle festival on April 19th, and will officially rename the refuge the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge. This family event features animal displays, bluegrass music, live animals and the release of a rehabilitated bald eagle.
Wisconsin
The Winona District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge will be celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, April 26 with a river clean-up. The effort will focus on debris left in the Garvin Brook floodplain following the August 2007 flash flood which caused over $700,000 worth of damage to the District. Families are invited to join this community project and volunteer in helping to restore the shores of the Mississippi River.
For more information on Let’s Go Outside! and for ideas on how to connect with nature, please visit the Service’s website at http://www.fws.gov/children/.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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