Genoa National Fish Hatchery's display booth set up in front of Caela's store in Prairie du Chien, WI.

This young family enjoys viewing the aquarium fish while dads shops in Cabela's

We have all hear the question: If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?  The same theory can be applied to the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:  If we work with others, to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people, and the American people don’t know what we are doing, did the work happen?  To ensure that the American people know about the wonderful things the Fish and Wildlife Service is working on, it is vital that all stations make contact with the public as often as possible to share the things that are being done for the American people’s benefit.  Just such an opportunity happened one Saturday in September.  Genoa National Fish Hatchery was asked to set up a booth the Cabela’s store in Prairie du Chien, Wis.  Cabela’s was hosting a Conservation Day for their customers and asked local conservation agencies to participate.  The Genoa staff set up a fish aquarium and display, which included freshwater mussel shells, outside of the main entrance of the store.  National Fish Hatchery tattoos were passed out to all the kids that came to Cabela’s that day.  In all, more than 1000 Cabela’s customers were exposed to Genoa’s efforts in providing recreational fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, largemouth bass and walleye, as well as the conservation work being conducted by rearing lake sturgeon, coaster brook trout, and freshwater mussels.  The Cabela’s Conservation Day helped ensure that the American people at least in Southwest Wisconsin and Northeast Iowa know more about the work of the hatchery and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.