The Youth Bass Anglers Conservation School, Pennsylvania’s unique opportunity for students 14-17 who love to fish and learn about warm-water fishery, will begin accepting registrations February 1.

Instruction will be offered July 15-19 on Lake Perez at the Pennsylvania State University’s Stone Valley Recreation Area, Huntingdon County. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Fish and Boat Commission are sponsoring the school.

“We are proud to join this cooperative educational effort giving angling youth a solid foundation in warm-water aquatic ecosystems, their management, and how they affect black bass and bass angling,” said DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. “Participants will improve their stewardship skills, leave the school better equipped to serve as leaders in conservation, and have a heck of a lot of fun learning.”

The program will include fishery biology, fisheries management, habitat improvement, boating safety, fishing skills and techniques, fish and boating law enforcement, fisheries and conservation careers and tournament angling.

Instruction is geared toward youth who already possess some basic outdoor skills and fishing experience but want to further develop those skills and learn more about bass angling.

“Research clearly shows that good, well-structured youth fishing programs like this one help kids improve their skills, so they fish more and build a greater sense of aquatic stewardship and outdoor ethics. So, not only do good youth fishing programs create better anglers, they create better citizens,” said PFBC Executive Director Doug Austen.

Other school partners include the PA Bass Federation Inc., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Penn State and Marsh Creek Bass Club.

“The camp is a combination of non-stop, hands-on, fun-filled activities ranging from boat safety and basic angling skills to fish biology and habitat management,” said PA Bass Federation Conservation Director Bill Reichert. “Learning fishing skills from a dozen volunteers and introduction into aquatic science by professional staff offer the students insights into opportunities to become conservation and environmental leaders.”

Applicants must submit a written, one-page essay explaining: “What fishing means to me; the importance of conservation; and why I want to attend the school.” A letter of recommendation is also required. Only 20 students will be selected.

As a $125 enrollment fee will be charged upon acceptance, students are encouraged to seek organizational sponsorship through sporting, community or civic groups.

Visit the Youth Bass Anglers Conservation School or contact DCNR Bureau of State Parks Environmental Education Specialist Spring Reilly at 814-625-9369, or send email to: spreilly@state.pa.us

1/26/2007