Clark Bartelt, Facilities Manager at Iron River National Fish Hatchery, displays the new lettering on the fish distribution truck. - FWS photo

The old lettering on the Iron River National Fish Hatchery fish distribution truck - FWS photo

One of the most important pieces of equipment at the Iron River National Fish Hatchery is a 3,000-gallon fish distribution tanker.  It's used to haul millions of lake trout yearlings to numerous destinations in the Upper Great Lakes, traveling thousands of miles each spring. 

The truck is highly visible to the public during those trips and it is important that it displays a positive image of the Hatchery and of the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Clark Bartelt, Facilities Manager, removed and replaced the lettering and stickers on the sides of the tank and doors.  The lettering had been on the truck for almost ten years. 

The cost to have this done at a commercial sign shop was estimated at over $1,000.  Clark was able to obtain the lettering from the Regional Sign Center for $50 dollars, a great savings for the Hatchery. 

The saved funds will be used for other operational needs and, due to Bartelt'’s work, the truck will look much better as it travels throughout the region hauling lake trout.