EMS TRANSMISSION 05/22/2007

Information Bulletin No. 2007-081

 

To:                   All Field Officials

 

From:               Assistant Director, Renewable Resources and Planning

 

Subject:            Opportunities for the Bureau of Land Management to Participate in C.A.S.T. for Kids Fishing Events

Program Area: Recreation and Visitor Services and Fish, Wildlife, and Botany.

 

Purpose: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is pleased to be a partner with the C.A.S.T. (Catch A Special Thrill) for Kids Foundation and would like to expand its involvement in this outstanding program through additional BLM sponsored events. These extraordinary outdoor events team sponsors and experienced fishermen with local disabled and disadvantaged kids for a day of boating, fishing and fun.

 

The BLM joined as a partner with C.A.S.T. for Kids in 1996, with its first fishing event sponsored by the Medford Field Office. Through the years, the BLM has held several C.A.S.T. for Kids events throughout the West. Most notable are the events sponsored annually by the Medford, Oregon and Farmington, New Mexico Field Offices which teamed last year with 19 and 31 local partners and sponsors, respectively, from their communities. The BLM Eastern States Office was also one of the sponsors for a 2006 event in Virginia with 42 special needs children and their families and over 160 volunteers. 

 

Policy/Action: BLM Deputy Director Henri Bisson strongly encourages BLM Field Offices to support the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation through sponsorship of fishing events. This is a great opportunity to be involved on a personal level in a worthwhile and extremely rewarding experience that also supports the BLM’s goal of promoting outdoor experiences for youth and their families.

 

Many of the scheduled 2007 events (see list below) are located near communities with a BLM office, giving them a unique opportunity to participate as a partner with an established event. Offices with access to fishing facilities are encouraged to consider hosting new events this year and in future years. Offices that wish to explore the opportunity to participate in, or host an event should contact: Jim Owens, Executive Director, 227 S.W. 41st Street, Renton, WA. 98057, or telephone (425) 251-3214. The C.A.S.T. website is http://www.castforkids.org. The current schedule of 2007 events:

 

 

Time Frame: Effective Immediately.

 

Background: The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation was formed in 1991, for volunteers who love to fish and experienced fishermen to join with disabled and disadvantaged children for a day of boating and fishing. C.A.S.T. events are designed to create an environment for children and adults to leave their problems on shore and share a day of fun on the water by matching them with experienced fishermen from local bass, walleye, trout and salmon clubs and putting them into boats. C.A.S.T. provides the kids and parents the opportunity to not only learn fishing skills, but also boating safety, natural resources, and angler ethics while having a great time on the water. For many of these children, a C.A.S.T. event is their first opportunity for boating and fishing.

 

Today, C.A.S.T. for Kids is increasing awareness of disabled and disadvantaged children in communities across the United States and creating a rare and positive experience for America’s youth. C.A.S.T. events also provide exciting opportunities for children and adults to gain a greater appreciation for America’s natural resources and give participating agencies a unique opportunity for collaborative efforts with public and private partners at all levels.

 

Budget Impact:  Participating in this event will not appreciably impact the budget.

Coordination: This IB was coordinated between the Division of Recreation and Visitor Services (WO-250) and the Division of Fish Wildlife and Plant Conservation (WO-230).

Contact: Kay Ellis, National Accessibility Program Lead (202) 452-7799, or Andy Tenney, Supervisory Program and Policy Specialist (202) 452-7735, (WO-250); or Rich Bulavinetz, Fish Biologist, (W0-230), (202) 452-0325.