C.A.S.T., which stands for "Catch a Special Thrill," offers children with disabilities and terminal illnesses an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing at Henry Hagg Lake.

"For some kids, this is their first experience fishing," said Donna Bishop of the Bureau of Reclamation=s Lower Columbia Area Office. "For the volunteers, it=s a great opportunity to be part of a special experience that these children will remember for a lifetime."

"The children invited range in age from 4-16 years old and have a variety of physical or developmental disabilities and, in some cases, a terminal illness. Each participant will receive fishing gear, a tee shirt, and a hat," Bishop said.

The state bass anglers societies work under the large umbrella of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. Volunteers from the Oregon BASS Club will provide fishing boats and expertise to assist novice anglers. The morning fishing events will be followed by a barbecue lunch hosted by several local Kiwanis Clubs. The Gaston Fire Department and Forest Grove Fire and Rescue will be assisting by providing emergency services for the event.

Partners include: C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation; Bureau of Reclamation; Oregon BASS Club, local Kiwanis Clubs, Tualatin Valley Irrigation District, and the Washington County Parks. Henry Hagg Lake is located 30 miles southwest of Portland off Oregon State Highway 47.

For information about the September 7th event, contact Donna Bishop, Lower Columbia Area Office (503) 872-2796. In the event of rain the C.A.S.T. event will be canceled.

For more background information about the program, contact Shari Kohlbecker at Bureau of Reclamation, Suite 100, 1150 North Curtis Road, Boise ID 83706-1234 or (208) 378-5050.