News Release Archive

C.A.S.T. For Kids Makes Fishing Fun at Potholes State Park

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@usbr.gov
Margaret Schoneman, mschoneman@usbr.gov

For Release: July 30, 2010

Children with a wide range of disabilities will have the opportunity to reel in a good time as they join enthusiastic volunteers during the Columbia Basin Project's Annual C.A.S.T. for Kids event on August 7 at Potholes Reservoir about 15 miles south of Moses Lake, Wash.

C.A.S.T., which stands for Catch a Special Thrill, offers children with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing at the reservoir.

Participants and volunteers will gather at Potholes State Park located off State Route 262. Washington State Parks manages the adjacent campground and day-use facility which offer easy access to Potholes Reservoir.

"For some youngsters, this is their first experience fishing," said Margaret Schoneman of Reclamation's Ephrata Field 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 range in age from 7-16 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, said Schoneman.

The Potholes Bass Club, Columbia Basin Walleye Club, and other local anglers will be providing fishing boats and years of experience. The morning fishing events will be followed by a picnic lunch prepared by the Culinary Arts Class of the Columbia Basin Job Corps Center. Medical assistance and volunteers are being provided by Fire Districts No. 7 and 10.

Partners include: Bureau of Reclamation, C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, Washington BASS Federation, Columbia Basin Job Corps Center, Washington State Parks, Washington State Fish and Wildlife, and the Shriners Hospital for Children. Donations for the event have been provided by local businesses including: Coulee Playland Resort, Tri State Outfitters, Schwan's, Sporty's Steak House, Loudon Ortho-sport, Othello Napa Auto Parts, Cascade Marina, Mar Don Resort, Pepsi Company, Coremark, and Lad Irrigation.

The very first C.A.S.T. for Kids event was held on the Columbia Basin Project at Banks Lake during the summer of 1991. Since that time, these popular events have been held at various Reclamation projects throughout the Western states. For information about the August 7th event, contact Margaret Schoneman at Reclamation's Ephrata Field Office (509) 754-0211, or Jan Schrader at Reclamation's Grand Coulee Power Office (509) 633-9584. In the unlikely event of rain, the C.A.S.T. Event will be canceled. For more background information about the event, 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.