This is the second funding round for the PFBC’s Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Education Grants. In this program, grants up to $5,000 will be given to providers of fishing and aquatic resource education programs. This funding can be applied to the purchase of equipment, materials and costs associated with field trips. The Commission awarded 14 such grants in this program earlier this year.

Applications, program rules and eligibility information are available at the Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Education Grants section of the Commission’s website or by calling 717-705-7835 and requesting an application. Grant applications must be postmarked December 31, 2006 or sooner. Programs must occur between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008. Successful applicants will be notified by April 1, 2007, and funding will be awarded after July 1, 2007.

Re-engaging youth in fishing and conservation is a major point of emphasis for the Commission. Statistics from the National Survey of Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife Recreation show that in 1980, 26% of Pennsylvania kids aged 6-15 fished. In 1995, that number climbed to 41%, but dropped to 35% in 2000.

“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, 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 more and better programs to involve Pennsylvania’s youth in fishing and aquatic education. We want to put our money where our mouth is and this new grants program is one way to do that.”

The Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Education Grants program expands on the Commission's long-standing commitment to youth education. The Commission spends about $450,000 annually on such 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; 400+ PFBC fishing skills instructors teach thousands of children in angling basics annually; and the Commission provides equipment and support for 39 free tackle loaner sites statewide. And it is looking to add more sites this year, potentially through the grant program.