News Release Archive

C.A.S.T. For Kids Makes Fishing Fun at Henry Hagg Lake

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Shari Kohlbecker, skohlbecker@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: August 25, 2008

Children with a wide range of disabilities will have the opportunity to reel in a good time as they join some enthusiastic volunteers during the C.A.S.T. for Kids event scheduled for Sunday, September 7, at Henry Hagg Lake near Portland, Ore.

C.A.S.T., which stands for "Catch a Special Thrill," offers children with disabilities and terminal illnesses an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing at Henry Hagg Lake.

"For some kids, this is their first experience fishing," said Donna Bishop of the Bureau of Reclamation=s Lower Columbia Area Office. "For the volunteers, it=s a great opportunity to be part of a special experience that these children will remember for a lifetime."

"The children invited range in age from 4-16 years old and have a variety of physical or developmental disabilities and, in some cases, a terminal illness. Each participant will receive fishing gear, a tee shirt, and a hat," Bishop said.

The state bass anglers societies work under the large umbrella of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. Volunteers from the Oregon BASS Club will provide fishing boats and expertise to assist novice anglers. The morning fishing events will be followed by a barbecue lunch hosted by several local Kiwanis Clubs. The Gaston Fire Department and Forest Grove Fire and Rescue will be assisting by providing emergency services for the event.

Partners include: C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation; Bureau of Reclamation; Oregon BASS Club, local Kiwanis Clubs, Tualatin Valley Irrigation District, and the Washington County Parks. Henry Hagg Lake is located 30 miles southwest of Portland off Oregon State Highway 47.

For information about the September 7th event, contact Donna Bishop, Lower Columbia Area Office (503) 872-2796. In the event of rain the C.A.S.T. event will be canceled.

For more background information about the program, contact Shari Kohlbecker at Bureau of Reclamation, Suite 100, 1150 North Curtis Road, Boise ID 83706-1234 or (208) 378-5050.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.