Whittlesey Creek Youth Conservation Corps Staff. - FWS photo

At the request of the staff from the Whittlesey Creek NWR, Frank Stone presented a backpack electrofishing demonstration to six YCC employees.  

The activity began with a discussion on why and how this gear type is used.  Once the safety issues were discussed, the group followed Stone through a section of lower Whittlesey Creek.  Each person had an opportunity to “carry” the bucket and feel first hand how to walk over the sand, rocks and logs while attempting to collect fish in a fast running stream. 

During the demonstration, about 20 rainbow trout were collected and then safely returned into Whittlesey Creek.  The group had several questions for Stone on how survey data is ultimately used to formulate management decisions and expressed their appreciation for the field experience.  Because of the close proximity of the Ashland FRO and the Whittlesey Creek NWR, training opportunities such as this are easy to arrange and add yet another level of experience for Service employees.