Androscoggin Land Trust expands Outreach to Youth for Future of the Androscoggin River
June 28, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jonathan P. LaBonte, Executive Director
Androscoggin Land Trust
(207) 782-2302, info@androscogginlandtrust.org
OR
Margi Huber, Outreach Coordinator
Androscoggin Land Trust
(207) 782-2302, mhuber@androscogginlandtrust.org
Androscoggin Land Trust expands Outreach to Youth for Future of the Androscoggin River
ALT brings together Maine IF&W and New Auburn-based Boys and Girls Club to host Youth Fishing Day at Little Andy Park this Thursday morning
Auburn, ME – As a continuation of efforts to reconnect communities of the Androscoggin River to the recreational potential of this major Maine river, the Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT), and will be hosting Youth Fishing Days in downtown Lewiston-Auburn during the summer of 2012, with the first planned for this Thursday, June 28th.
Through efforts to assess potential land trail and water access to the Androscoggin River between the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park in Turner and downtown Lewiston-Auburn, a series of community-based events are being coordinated by ALT to reconnect residents to the Androscoggin and build a sense of community ownership. Recognizing the strengths of various state and local partners, ALT has engaged with the very successful Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs program of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to bring their programming and resources to the community.
"The Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) program is the flagship youth education program of the Future Fisherman Foundation and is sponsored in Maine by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. HOFNOD uses angling skill development as a gateway to teach youth about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and how to deal with the challenges facing them in their young lives," shares Emily McCabe, Activities Coordinator for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, in describing the program
While the events are open to the public, ALT sought a local organizations that might benefit from this unique youth event to target its promotion. The Boys and Girls Club in Auburn provides a safe environment for young people to learn, build character and be with friends after school and during the summer. The Club became an ideal partner, as the Clubhouse on Second Avenue is only a few minute walk from the downtown riverfront. A second fishing day will be provided in July with the Tree Street Youth Center of Lewiston.
Andrea Hannon, Unit Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine Auburn/Lewiston Clubhouse stated that “this fishing event is a fantastic way for these local kids to start their summer program. With resources often limited for river based activities, providing a fun outdoor experience for these kids to help build pride in their community is exciting. We’re thankful to ALT for coordinating and Maine IF&W for taking the time to introduce these kids to fishing.”
Riverside trails and parks have emerged in Lewiston and Auburn over the last 15 years, but interest is now growing for more water-based activities including kayaking, canoeing and fishing. With a growing number of worn paths emerging along the banks, as local residents seek fishing spots, ALT has moved to include riverbank fishing into its river recreation study.
“We are excited to be playing this coordinating role in the community of Lewiston-Auburn,” says Jonathan LaBonte, executive director of ALT. “Both cities have made significant investments in improvement to the riverfront areas, local groups like The Boys and Girls Club and Tree Street Youth Center are seeking to engage young people and empower them to set high expectations for themselves, and Maine IFW has built a great program to connect youth to Maine’s great heritage of outdoor sports. If we can help connect these dots, we are happy to do it.”
ALT was awarded a series of grants for 2012 to focus on planning for land and water trail linkages between Gulf Island Pond and the downtown commercial and residential areas of Lewiston-Auburn. (maybe 2012 info?) This includes support from the Environmental Funders Network’s Quality of Place Initiative, the Ferguson Foundation, the Davis Conservation Foundation, and technical support from the National Park Service’s Rivers and Trails Program.
The first event, to be held starting at 9:00 AM this Thursday (6/28/12) is open to the public. Youth aged 15 and under are asked to come with an adult or parent and loaner equipment is available for those without fishing gear.
EVENT DETAILS:
DATE: Thursday, June 28, 2012
TIME: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
LOCATION: Little Andy Park, 2nd Street, behind Rolly’s Diner
EQUIPMENT NEEDS: Bring your own fishing pole and bait if you have it, but loaner equipment will be available
For more information: Margi Huber, Outreach Coordinator 782-2302 or mhuber@androscogginlandtrust.org
The Androscoggin Land Trust is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) membership-supported organization dedicated to protecting, through land conservation and stewardship, the important natural areas, traditional landscapes, and outdoor experience in the Androscoggin River watershed. We currently conserve approximately 4,850 acres of land, including over ten miles of riverfront along the Androscoggin River. ALT-offered recreational programs in the region include LA Trails, serving Lewiston-Auburn, Chisholm Trails, serving Jay and Livermore Falls, and the Great Falls Paddling Society, offering seasonal outings on the Androscoggin River.