| HARRISBURG – Interested
young anglers from across the state are invited to register, beginning March 1, for the Bass Anglers Conservation
School, Pennsylvania’s unique learning experience for young students with a passion for fishing and a thirst
for warm-water fishery knowledge.
The school will be offered Sunday through Thursday, July 13-17, on Lake
Perez at Pennsylvania State University’s Stone Valley Recreation Area, Huntingdon County.
“We are proud
to again join this cooperative educational effort giving angling youth a solid foundation in warm-water
aquatic ecosystems, their management, and how they affect black bass and bass angling,” said Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. “Participants will improve their stewardship skills, leave
the school better equipped to serve as leaders in conservation, and have a heck of a lot of fun learning.”
The
five-day, four-night program will include sessions on fishery biology, fisheries management, habitat
improvement, boating safety, fishing skills and techniques, fish and boating law enforcement, fisheries
and conservation careers and tournament angling. Other conservation-related and hands-on activities
also are planned.
Students will learn from experts and professionals in various conservation fields from
across Pennsylvania and the nation. Instruction will be geared toward youth who already possess some
basic outdoor skills and fishing experience but want to further develop those skills and learn more
about bass angling.
“Excellent
angling programs have helped create not only better anglers, but also better citizens,” said
Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Doug Austen. “Research clearly shows that good, well-structured
youth fishing programs like this help kids increase their skills, fish more, and build a greater sense
of aquatic stewardship and outdoor ethics.”
The Youth Bass Anglers Conservation School is a cooperative effort
by DCNR’s
Bureau of State Parks, the PFBC, PA Bass Federation Inc., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pennsylvania
State University and Marsh Creek Bass Club. “The camp is a combination of non-stop, hands-on, fun-filled activities
ranging from boat safety and basic angling skills to fish biology and habitat management,” said PA Bass Federation
Conservation Director Bill Reichert. “Learning fishing skills from a dozen volunteers and introduction into
aquatic science by professional staff offer the students insights into opportunities to become conservation
and environmental leaders.”
A
total of 20 students will be selected. Students are encouraged to seek organizational sponsorship through
sporting, community or civic groups to cover the $200 enrollment fee.
The application and enrollment
process for students ages 14-17 continues through April 30. Applicants must submit a one-page essay
addressing: “What
fishing means to me; the importance of conservation; and why I want to attend the school.” A letter of recommendation
from a teacher or close associate also is required.
Enrollment applications and more details can be obtained
at the PFBC's YBACS page; or from Bureau of State Parks Environmental Education Specialist
Spring Reilly at (814) 625-9369, or spreilly@pa.gov. |
