DNR Partners with Mid-Michigan Steelheaders for May Youth Fishing Clinics in Lansing
Published: Thursday, May 5, 2011 7:00 am
By: Department of Natural Resources
The Department of Natural Resources is among several agencies joining in the Mid-Michigan Steelheaders' efforts to get children interested in fishing with its first-ever Dr. Bill Earl Youth Fishing Program.This series of free fishing clinics for youth ages 5-16 will take place in Lansing on Saturdays, May 7, 14 and 21.
In order to participate in the program, all children must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other responsible adult. "By requiring a parent or guardian to accompany the youth, we expose two generations to the inexpensive, healthy, outdoor fishing activities available near home," said John Hesse, youth education chairperson for the Mid-Michigan Steelheaders.
"Michigan has remarkable water resources that we urge all our citizens to enjoy and protect, so we're excited to take part in this opportunity for kids to learn more about the sport of fishing and get actively involved in conservation," said Department of Natural Resources Director Rodney Stokes. "Programs like this can begin to address the steady decline in the numbers of people who fish and hunt and the limited time that children spend outdoors."
The first event will be held May 7 at Hawk Island Park. Clinics will also be held at Lake Lansing Park-South on May 14 and at the Lansing Adado Riverfront Park on May 21. Pre-registration is mandatory for all events. There will be no registration on the day of the event. All pre-registered participants must check in between 8:30 and 9 a.m.; the program will end at noon. For more information, contact John Hesse at [email protected].
Each child will learn basic fishing skills such as casting, knot-tying, rigging for different types of fishing, regulations and fishing ethics. As part of the clinic, participants will be able to apply these skills under the guidance of trained volunteers.
"We look forward to continuing, and possibly expanding, the program in future years and want to thank not only all of our partners but also the many individual donors and small businesses who contributed funds to make this possible," Hesse said.
Program partners include the Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State University, Project F.I.S.H., Ingham County Parks, Lansing City Parks and Recreation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Fenner Nature Center,Trout Unlimited, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Big Nature Lesson Programs and others.
The program's namesake, Dr. William "Bill" Earl, was an inspiration to thousands of youth and adults during his lifetime. A lifelong resident of Howell with a passion for the outdoors, fishing, hunting and farming, Earl was a member of the Mid-Michigan Steelheaders and chaired its youth education committee. He passed away in July 2010.
Lansing-based Mid-Michigan Steelheaders is a local chapter of the Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishing Association (MSSFA), a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the general public on improving, preserving and promoting sport fishing in the Great Lakesand their tributary streams and rivers. To learn more, visit midmich.michigansteelheaders.org.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
