Oklahoma aquatic resources education program

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F-47-E-23 2010 c.1
FINAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
FEDERAL AID GRANT NO. F-47-E-23
OKLAHOMA AQUATIC RESOURCES EDUCATION
PROGRAM
OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
JANUARY 1, 2010 through DECEMBER 31,' 2010
FINAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
STATE: OKLAHOMA PROJECT NUMBER: F-47-E-23
GRANT TITLE: Oklahoma Aquatic Resources Education Program
CONTRACT PERIOD: January 1, 2010 - December 31,2010
PROJECT 1: Aquatic Resources Educational Clinics
Project 1 Objective:
To annually instruct approximately 20,000 youth in the issues and values of water
quality, fish and other aquatic life, and conservation of aquatic resources, and to
conduct specialized programs such as stream clean-up and point source pollution
education for various groups (i.e., physically/mentally challenged, senior citizens,
and avid anglers) that are appropriate to their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Summary of Progress:
Approximately 241 Youth Fishing Clinics were conducted with total attendance
estimated at over 16,340. Attendance at individual clinics ranged from 4 to
almost 1500 people. Instructional sessions included: angler ethics, fish
identification, knot tying, casting instruction, water safety, water quality
(pollution), fish cleaning, fish cooking, fishing equipment demonstrations,
fisheries management, etc. Individual clinics seldom incorporated all topics.
However, most clinics include 4-6 educational topics followed by an actual
fishing excursion to a nearby pond, lake, or river. More than 11,005 catchable
sized channel catfish and 1,750 hybrid bluegill were stocked for these events.
Catfish stockings were comparable to last segment throughout Oklahoma.
Bluegill stockings were much higher this year than last. Reproduction was better
this year.
Instructional materials, equipment and literature were purchased and distributed at
fishing clinics around the state.
During F-47-E-23, approximately 23 new volunteers were trained to assist with
fishing clinics around the state. We now have approximately 374 active
volunteers around the state. Many of them organized or taught at one or more of
the more than 241 fishing clinics, presented school programs, or assisted in
instructor training.
Ten clinics were conducted where fly-fishing or tying was taught. Five of them
were conducted at our Wildlife Expo and the rest were at different locations
around the state.
We did not conduct any streams clean-up or point source pollution events. We
will schedule some for the next segment.
PROJECT 3: Public Outreach
Project 3 Objective:
To develop and produce brochures, magazine articles, news releases, radio and
television air time and programs regarding aquatic resources and recreational
boating and fishing.
Summary of Progress:
Regional I&E specialists, fisheries personnel and the aquatic education
coordinator presented several programs on fishing Oklahoma waters. These
programs covered the different sportfish in Oklahoma, where to fish for each
species, management practices and information on the Sport Fish Restoration
program.
Materials such as the Oklahoma Sportfish poster, fish identification stickers,
Instructor Handbooks, and several other pamphlets were distributed.
News releases and materials from the National Fishing and Boating Week
Steering Committee were utilized during National Fishing and Boating Week.
Various articles, television segments, radio shows, etc., have been devoted to the
promotion of sportfishing in Oklahoma.
PROJECT 7: Aquatic Resources Education Area at Department of Wildlife's
Southeast Office
Project 7 Objective:
To improve the aquatic resources education fishing pond and make it more
accessible to participants with physical disabilities by constructing a floating
fishing dock and handicap accessible walkway to the dock.
Summary of Progress:
The 10' X 12' floating dock has been installed and has a 4 foot wide handicap
accessible walkway from the bank to the dock.
The walkway was surveyed by ODWC personnel, but due to weather and
unavailability of personnel and equipment the walkway was not completed as
planned. We will continue to work on this project. No expenditures associated
with this project.
Project 14: AQUATIC RESOURCES EDUCATION AREA AT ARCADIA
LAKE- OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Project 14 Objective:
To operate and maintain the facilities and grounds at the arcadia education facility
near Arcadia Lake.
Summary of Progress:
Mowing and general upkeep around the pond was done throughout the segment.
We conducted several fishing clinics this segment and had more maintanence
Issues.
PREPARED BY:
Damon Springer, Coordinator
Aquatic Resources Education Program
DATE: March 24, 2011
APPROVED BYg
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onnat tion Division Administration
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
D. Stafford, Federa Ai Coordinator
oma Department of Wildlife Conservation