CHEYENNE - Citing the healthy recreation fishing provides 44 million Americans including over 356,000 anglers who contribute to the Equality State economy annually, Gov. Dave Freudenthal proclaimed June 3-11 "National Fishing and Boating Week" in Wyoming.

"National fishing and boating week focuses public attention on the lifestyle benefits of fishing and aquatic resource stewardship responsibilities and recreational boating," wrote the governor in the official proclamation.

National Fishing and Boating Week is celebrated annually across the United States with children’s clinics and events, including several in Wyoming.

"(I) urge all citizens to appropriately recognize the many significant contributions of sportfishing and boating to our state and to enjoy the sport in the beauty of our environment," Gov. Freudenthal said.

Accomplished actress Jane Seymour, who starred in the hit television series "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," is the honorary chairman of National Fishing and Boating Week 2006. Seymour became an avid angler after marrying writer/producer James Keach and along with their twin sons, the family fishes all over the world.

June 3 is Free Fishing Day in Wyoming in 2006. Anyone - resident or nonresident - can fish that day in most of Wyoming without a license. Anglers will still be subject to all other fishing laws and regulations. Fishing licenses are still required in Yellowstone National Park and the Wind River Indian Reservation on June 3.

Fishing day events for children are being held in Cheyenne, Cody, Powell, Riverton, Pinedale, Afton, Sheridan and Jackson on June 3rd. Contact a local Game and Fish office for more details.

(contact: Jeff Obrecht)