News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces the 18th C.A.S.T. for Kids Fishing Fun Fair at New Melones Lake

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: April 20, 2010

Reclamation staff and over 75 volunteers are organizing the 18th annual C.A.S.T. (Catch a Special Thrill) for Kids Fishing Fun Fair at New Melones Lake.  This year's event is scheduled for June 12, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The fair is co-sponsored by the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, a national non-profit organization whose goal is "to provide disabled and disadvantaged children ages 5-16 the opportunity to enjoy a quality outdoor recreational experience through the sport of fishing."

Each child can spend the day shoreline fishing or fishing on boats with local anglers.  Equipment, T-shirt, and a hat are provided.  A parent or adult chaperone is required.  Opportunities for both education and entertainment will abound on the shore with the participants being permitted to explore a fire engine with CalFire firefighters or visit a variety of booths ranging from gold-panning to casting contests and aquatic ecosystems to water safety. 

Due to the increasing popularity of this event, pre-registration is required.  Registration closes April 30.  Please contact Frank Blanco at 536-9094, extension 0, or pick up an application at the New Melones Resource Office or Visitor Center at 6850 Studhorse Flat Road, just off Highway 49 south of the Stevenot Bridge.  Map

We are pleased to have the continued support of the Tuolumne County 4-H Club, the St. Patrick's Church youth group, and the fishermen who volunteer their boats.  A free barbecue lunch will be provided by Messengers Clean and Sober Motorcycle Club.  Because of community support, the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation has received over $3,000 in donations, a large portion of which came from a fundraiser sponsored by Kinematic Automation, Inc. 

If you are interested in volunteering your fishing boat or helping out in other ways, please phone Park Ranger Kevin Madsen at 209-536-9094, extension 236, e-mail kmadsen@usbr.gov ; Ms. Linda Mager with Tuolumne County 4-H at 209-532-5896; or any member of the Hembree family at 209-532-8656.  This year we are especially in need of volunteers to support our educational booths.  No experience is necessary.  Please call for details. 

For more information, stop by the New Melones Lake Visitor Center & Museum or call us at 209-536-9543,  (800-877-8339).  The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or visit our website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones.  More information on the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation website.

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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.