Frankfort, KY (February 1, 2004) - In recent years, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) has ramped up efforts to introduce more youngsters in urban areas to the benefits of fishing and aquatic education.

As the beginning of February arrives, the agency is aggressively seeking additional ways to engage youngsters through schools, community programs and other avenues such as local fishing events, in the education of our natural, water-related resources and the recreation well-cared for resources provide. This year, some 500 fishing-related events will be planned, and a host of other educational programs given through schools and community summer park programs.

A decade ago, a deficit in raising awareness of the importance of aquatic resources in Kentucky, along with limited outreach to encourage participation in fishing, was identified by the agency. Nowhere was it more apparent that a lack of opportunity existed to learn and experience fishing, and develop the value of aquatic resources in young people, than in Kentucky’s big cities and urban communities.

Marc Johnson, who is now at the helm of the KDFWR’s Aquatic Education Program, is determined to continue the success the agency has achieved in networking within communities to offer thousands of children a chance to learn to fish. Kids throughout the Commonwealth are now getting an opportunity to pick up a new skill from hands-on experience – a skill in many cases that would otherwise not be possible to learn, and one that can be of use to them for a lifetime.

Johnson brings a different perspective to his leadership role than would most others. A graduate of the Governor’s Minority Management Training Program, and a former conservation educator for the fish and wildlife department, Johnson understands that giving youngsters a way to develop appreciation of natural resources in the classroom, then expand their knowledge through hands-on fishing, is key to their development and improved quality of life. He has worked with students in various learning scenarios, and is also an avid angler.

Even something as simple as fishing can help young minds develop environmental values. The enjoyment of catching a fish can provide a sense of accomplishment and build self-esteem. Youngsters who may already fish develop into mentors for their friends. The questions fishing generates also opens minds to new areas of interest, and gives youngsters new thoughts and challenges to explore both in, and out of the classroom.

This spring, Johnson will be working diligently with the school systems in southeast Kentucky to integrate the "Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs Program" into classrooms. This initiative will be aimed at enhancing parent cooperation with school-based programs. This new partnership will provide students the ability to make positive choices, while opening communication channels with responsible adults.

The sport of fishing is a versatile and captivating avenue to use in the education of young people. At the same time, its universal appeal gives educators a way to engage students on many levels, mentally and physically that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting alone.

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