On August 1, 2007, a Congressional Update about the Genoa National Fish Hatchery was sent to three local congressional offices in Wisconsin.

CU 07-32

Genoa National Fish Hatchery Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Open House – Congressional Notification

Genoa National Fish Hatchery in Genoa, Wis., will celebrate 75 years of aquatic resource conservation with an open house on August 8. 

The event will feature displays highlighting the work of the hatchery and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the Upper Mississippi River, many displays and organizations representing the intrinsic value of the River Region, children’s activities, musicians, and historical interpreters who will relive the area’s storied past.  A noon catfish fry will be served, and a formal speaking program featuring area and national dignitaries begins at 1 p.m. 

The event is free and open to the public.

Wh   Robyn Thorson, Midwest Regional Director, Fish and Wildlife Service

                        Karrie Jackelen, District staff representative for Congressman Ron Kind

Joe Moran, branch chief, National Fish Hatchery System, Fish and Wildlife Service

What:              Celebrating the Mississippi River region, its history, and 75 Years of

                        aquatic resource conservation on the banks of America’s river

When:             Wednesday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (speaking program at 1 p.m.)

Where:            Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wis., 20 miles south of La Crosse

                        on State Highway 35

Why:               From its roots as a Works Progress Administration project during the Great Depression, Genoa National Fish Hatchery's programs have evolved to include groundbreaking roles in endangered mussel recovery, native lake sturgeon and coaster brook trout restoration, along   with traditional roles such as fulfilling fish production needs on federal, tribal and state lands.

The Upper Mississippi River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Friends of the Upper Mississippi River, and a host of other partners will be on hand to help celebrate the hatchery’s anniversary and the folklore of the Upper Mississippi River. Historical interpreters and river musicians will tell the story of freshwater mussels and the pearl button industry, the last battle of the Blackhawk war, and the entire Mississippi River story from prehistoric times to today. Children’s activities will include a live eagle display, fishing tank and mussel “touch tank.”

Since 1871, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Program has played a vital role in conserving and managing native fish and wildlife resources.  For more information about the Fish and Wildlife Service Programs in the Midwest, go to http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/.