News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2003

FREE FISHING WORKSHOP OFFERED TO EDUCATORS

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio educators and others who work with young people are urged to volunteer for a statewide natural resources and drug awareness program known as Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs.

Through its outdoor education section, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife will host five workshops this spring, designed to introduce educators and community counselors to the program.

“Recreational fishing is fun and exciting. It offers many rewards, and for many kids, the Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs program may be their first opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing,” said Marc Sommer, ODNR aquatic education coordinator.

Since 1993, state wildlife officials have used the Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs program to introduce more than 100,000 school-age children in Ohio to fishing. At the same time, these children received a strong message about avoiding alcohol and substance abuse, and how to lead a productive life through participation in positive activities such as fishing.

Training workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and are scheduled for March 7 in Springfield, March 21 in Athens, April 4 in Akron, April 9 in Findlay and April 23 in Columbus. The Akron, Athens, Columbus and Findlay workshops are being held at the wildlife district headquarters. The Springfield workshop will be at the ODNR Division of Watercraft office at Buck Creek State Park.

Each workshop is limited to 25 people. Individuals interested in participating must register at least five days in advance. Prior to the workshop, registrants will receive a confirmation notice and map of directions. The events are sponsored by the ODNR Division of Wildlife, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Future Fisherman Foundation.

Participants will be provided teacher training, learn how to implement the Hooked On Fishing program in their communities, receive free student materials, free fishing and aquatic exploration equipment, and become eligible for subsidy grants to help fund fishing events and other aquatic education activities.

Individuals interested in registering for a workshop or who want to learn more about the Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs program can call 1-800-WILDLIFE.