News Release Archive

Reclamation to Hold C.A.S.T. for Kids Event at New Melones Lake as Part of "America's Great Outdoors"

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, 05/06/2011 00:00

For Release: May 06, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation's Central California Area Office will hold a C.A.S.T. (Catch a Special Thrill) for Kids event on Saturday, June 11, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at New Melones Lake's Eagle Point Group Picnic Area in the Tuttletown Recreation Area. C.A.S.T. for Kids events "team up" sponsors and anglers with special needs children for a day of fishing enjoyment. Disabled and disadvantaged children under 16 years of age may participate in this fun and educational annual activity free of charge.

This C.A.S.T. for Kids event ties into President Barack Obama's "America's Great Outdoors" (AGO) initiative (http://americasgreatoutdoors.gov/). AGO is a grassroots approach to protecting our nation's lands and waters while connecting Americans to our natural and cultural heritage. The initiative seeks to empower Americans to share in the responsibility to conserve, restore and provide better access to our lands and waters and leave a healthy, vibrant outdoor legacy for generations to come. And where better for the public to appreciate and enjoy the great outdoors than at a Reclamation facility such as New Melones Lake?

This children's fishing event, begun in 1992 by Reclamation staff, was combined with the C.A.S.T. Foundation in 2003 to offer increased outdoor recreational opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged children. At this year's event, each child will receive a free fishing rod and reel, bait and tackle equipment and instruction. Environmental exhibits, displays and activities, including a casting contest, fishing simulator and free boat rides, will be offered.

Water safety, a major theme for the day, will be demonstrated by Reclamation's New Melones Lake staff, and boat rides will be provided by volunteers and staff members. Expert fishing advice and demonstrations will be available from experienced anglers, and some children will have the opportunity to fish with members of local fishing clubs aboard boats. The morning will culminate with a free BBQ lunch provided by The Messengers Motorcycle Club.

For additional information, to participate as a volunteer, to contribute support, or to register for this event, please contact New Melones Park Ranger Hilary Maxworthy at e-mail hmaxworthy@usbr.gov or 209-536-9094 ext. 236. The registration deadline has been extended to Monday, May 30, 2011.

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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.