The Fish and Boat Commission is looking for fishing and aquatic education programs that could use some financial assistance and invites applications under its Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Education Program.

The deadline for applications is December 31.

Grantees can receive up to $5,000 that can be applied to the purchase of equipment, materials and costs associated with field trips.

“Re-engaging youth in outdoor activities is critical to the future of sportfishing and building a more environmentally connected citizenry,” says PFBC Executive Director Doug Austen. “Research clearly shows that good, well-structured youth fishing programs lead to kids increasing their interest in fishing more, improving their skills, and helping them build a greater sense of aquatic stewardship and outdoor ethics. It’s not enough for us as an agency to talk about wanting more and better programs to involve Pennsylvania’s youth in fishing and aquatic education. Funding must be made available for programs and services benefiting youth and this grant program is a start.”

Training workshops to teach skills and best practices to youth leaders, purchase of equipment and materials for youth angling education programs, and the development of materials for youth club use and support for implementation of youth programs are other examples of activities that the Commission would like to see expanded.

Funding for such programs could be provided through enactment of House Bill 1436 (Gergely-D-Allegheny).

The Commission spends about $450,000 annually on such youth education efforts. Currently 45,000 children receive the Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth (PLAY) newsletter from the Commission four times a year; 5,000 Pennsylvania schoolteachers have been trained and use the PFBC’s aquatic education curriculum; and more than 400 PFBC fishing skills instructors teach thousands of children in angling basics annually.

In addition, the Commission provides equipment and support for 49 free tackle loaner sites statewide.

Successful applicants will be notified by April 15 and funding will be awarded four to eight weeks after all agreements are finalized.

Applications, program rules and eligibility information visit the Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Education Program webpage or call 717-705-7835.

11/2/2007