NPAA and U.S. Forest Service Team Up to Educate Anglers
Category: npaa
Apr 8th, 2010 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Apr 8th, 2010 at 12:00 AM
NPAA and U.S. Forest Service Team Up to Educate Anglers
The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) announced today they have partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to educate anglers about the spread of aquatic invasive species. The NPAA will get the word out to the public and the media at tournaments, youth fishing clinics and fishing clubs.
Nick Schmal, fish and aquatic ecology program leader with the eastern regional office of the U.S. Forest Service in Milwaukee, said, “In my 30 years working with the Forest Service, this is one of the most exciting opportunities to be able to work with professionals and educate the public about invasive species. These cooperative efforts will take place at high-level tournaments where the NPAA conducts youth clinics.”
He continued, “Promoting awareness of practices that prevent the spread of terrestrial and aquatic non-native species is important. It’s each person’s responsibility to help care for the resources.” Additionally, the NPAA will help share information about conservation and stewardship of natural resources. “It all starts with teaching kids,” Schmal said, “And, the professional anglers are part of the solution.”
The NPAA will conduct youth clinics at FLW, MWC and AIM fishing tournaments throughout the Midwest in 2010. Youngsters will receive t-shirts at the clinics, along with lessons that will last a lifetime. Invasive species threaten watersheds. Research from northern Wisconsin in August, 2007, showed that recreational boaters carried and moved 13 species of weeds, 28 species of aquatic animals, and 23 terrestrial organisms such as ants, seeds and spiders.
“Cleaning boats before leaving the launch ramp is the most effective intervention to prevent transmission of invasive species,” Schmal said. Some common exotics now present in many Midwestern waters are milfoil, spiny water fleas and zebra mussels. “Control of the Asian carp is so critical now because it could destroy other fisheries,” he said. His best advice: “Be ultra-careful going lake-to-lake. Inspect, clean and wash bilges, boat exteriors, livewells and trailers.”
The NPAA is a non-profit organization focused on growing the sport of fishing and increasing the professionalism of its members. Its supporting partners include Northland Fishing Tackle, Navionics, Mercury Marine, Evinrude Outboards, Lund Boats, Ranger Boats, Off-Shore Tackle, Fin-Tech Tackle, Berkley, AIM Walleye Series, Masters Walleye Circuit, FLW Outdoors, Frabill, U.S. Forest Service, Liddle Marketing, FPS Financial Planning Services, Do-it Corp., Optima Batteries, John Butts Outdoors, Pasha Lake Cabins, Oahe Wings and Walleyes Guide Service, Outdoor First Media, Advanced Tex Screen Printing and Worldwide Marine Underwriters. More NPAA member and association news can be viewed at www.npaa.net.
(For more information, contact Pat Neu, NPAA executive director, 920-559-6901)