News Release
Missisquoi
National Wildlife Refuge
29 Tabor Rd., Swanton, VT 05488-8148 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
802/868-4781 Fax: 802/868-2379 http://missisquoi.fws.gov May 23, 2007

CELEBRATE NATIONAL KIDS FISHING MONTH IN JUNE!
KIDS FISHING DERBY TO BE HELD AT
MISSISQUOI NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

In celebration of National Kids Fishing Month, Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge and the Williston Wal-Mart are hosting an exciting, fun-filled day of fishing for kids and their families. Community youngsters are invited to come out to the refuge with their fishing poles, tackle boxes and bait and take part in the 28th Annual Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge Fishing Derby for Kids, presented by Wal-Mart and Zebco from 8:00am – 1:00pm on Saturday, June 2.

Every child fishing at the derby will receive a free goody bag full of fun stuff provided by the event’s local and national sponsors. In addition to the fishing, the day will also feature food and beverage, prize drawings and fun contests, including the Zebco Kids Casting Carnival. Youngsters, ages 15 years and younger must pre-register by calling the refuge office at 868-4781. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge has a strong commitment to the community’s youth and is proud to host a memorable day of fishing for the kids and their families. “Events like this fishing derby can be a great bonding experience for kids and their families,” said Mark Sweeny, Refuge Manager. The beauty of fishing is that it is an activity that a family can enjoy together for a lifetime.

The derby will take place along the Mac’s Bend gravel road, located at the Louie’s Landing boat launch approximately 4 miles west of Swanton Village on Vermont Route 78. The gate to Mac’s Bend will open at 8:00am. There is no entry fee. Crawlers will be provided. Due to recent heavy rains and high water, families should bring lawn chairs, and maybe boots, as the riverbank is muddy this year.

The Kids Fishing Derby is sponsored locally by Wal-Mart, North Country Bait & Tackle, Scampers, McKenzie of Vermont, Hog Island Bait & Tackle, Swanton House of Pizza, VFW Post 778, Swanton, Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, People’s Trust Bank, Price Chopper, R.L. Vallee, Bob’s Meat Market, AmCare Ambulance Service, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, Friends of Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, Inc., and many dedicated community volunteers.

Time Activity
8:00am Open Gate
9:00am - 11:00am Fishing Derby
11:00am - 11:45am Free Lunch - hotdogs, chips, punch, B&J ice-cream
11:45am - 12:00pm Presentations - National Wildlife Refuge System, Safety, Ethics & Regulations,
12:00pm - 1:00pm Awards Ceremony & Closing

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses more than 540 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 66 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.