Fisheries Conserservation for Tomorrow

The youth of today hold the future of fisheries conservation in their hands. However, several generations of Americans are unaware of the fact the natural resource agencies including the Fish and Wildlife Service can’t go it alone when it comes to stewardship of our waters, aquatic species and their habitats. During the short history of fisheries and aquatic species conservation programs in this country, there has never been a greater need for passionate and empowered citizen conservationists.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Program in the Midwest Region is committed to engaging, educating and employing young people. We provide opportunities to learn about fish, other aquatic species and their habitats through: outdoor learning areas, field study opportunities, outdoor recreation events, and developing innovative ways of delivering science literacy programs and promoting connections with nature. The Midwest Region Fisheries Program also engages youth and adults through our Friends Groups, partnerships with States and Tribes and through various youth employment programs. In doing so all of us will better understand the world around us, as well as how to enjoy and steward it for conservationists yet to come.

Engage:

Annually, the LaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Office in La Crosse, Wisconsin plays an integral role in supporting and organizing one of the premier events designed to provide opportunities for youth to experience nature and outdoor recreation first hand. 

In just three years the Youth Outdoor Fest partnership has reached thousands of young and old alike in promoting the wonders of the outdoor world and introducing many first timers to outdoor pursuits including; Fishing, Archery, Kayaking and Mountain biking…just to name a few.  And interspersed throughout the huge event held at the Pettibone Park are activities such as minnow races, storytelling and even fish cleaning demonstrations and sailing instruction.  All the while the public is experiencing what they have been missing.  Free Family Outdoor FUN!  At the Youth Outdoor Fest you can – catch your first fish, ride on a boat and shoot a bulls eye all in one day!  The many partners and stakeholders are dedicated to keeping America’s outdoor conservation heritage alive by getting our Youth into the Great Outdoors.

Educate:

In support of the US Fish and Wildlife Service priority of Connecting People with Nature, Midwest Region Fisheries Program stations participate in the development and delivery of formal and non-formal educational programs in a variety of settings. As an example, staff from the Alpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) has been educating students at Wilson Elementary School about environmental topics that meet their current science curriculum. For the past four years Alpena FWCO staff has provided hands-on learning, both in the classroom and during outdoor field trips, for the same cohort of students that are now in fifth grade. This involvement provides a change of pace for the students and unique insight from conservation professionals. Recently, Alpena fisheries staff went into the classroom and taught two classes about the evolution of the Peppered Moth. The biologist taught a hands-on activity that mimicked the coloration change of the Peppered Moth during the Industrial Revolution. This interactive activity simulated the driving force behind evolution and natural selection. Students quickly grasped the concept of how environmental change can drive natural selection and consequently evolution.

Employ:

The Midwest Region Fisheries program offices and National Fish Hatcheries provide opportunities for on the job training, career experiences and volunteer assignments.

The highlight of youth employment in the Midwest Region Fisheries program is the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program. YCC is a summer work youth program on US Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal lands. In fact many conservation professionals of today were introduced to the career option through YCC employment.

Over the last three years over thirty students between 15 and 18 years old have directly benefitted the fisheries and aquatic resources of the USFWS Midwest Region. YCC work focuses on conservation and community service. The students work on projects ranging from general maintenance, trail construction and environmental education to habitat restoration and fish culture. The students have fun, learn valuable work place skills and get paid to do it!!

For more information about youth employment opportunities and conservation education programs within the USFWS Midwest Region Fisheries program contact Tim Smigielski, Regional Fisheries Conservation Education Coordinator at tim_smigielski@fws.gov or at (231) 584-3540.