News Release Archive

Reclamation to Hold C.A.S.T. for Kids Event at New Melones Lake as Part of “Let’s Move Outside”

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, MP Region Public Affairs Officer, 916-978-5100, 09/10/2012 10:38

For Release: September 10, 2012

New Melones

SONORA, Calif. – 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, October 13, 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 ages 5 to16 years of age may participate in this fun and educational annual activity free of charge. New Melones Lake is located in Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties, approximately 60 miles east of Stockton, Calif.

This C.A.S.T. for Kids event ties into the Department of the Interior’s “Let’s Move Outside” initiative, http://www.letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside, which was created to encourage children and their families to enjoy outdoor activities, which abound in every city, town and community. Reclamation also supports President Obama’s “America’s Great Outdoors”initiative, http://americasgreatoutdoors.gov/, by providing recreational opportunities in the great outdoors, promoting stewardship of our natural resources and reconnecting Americans – especially our young people – with the riches the outdoors has to offer.

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.

Leading a healthy lifestyle, a major theme for the day, will be demonstrated by Reclamation’s New Melones Lake staff and volunteers. Boat rides will be provided by volunteers and staff members, expert fishing advice and demonstrations will be available from experienced anglers and children will have the opportunity to fish with members of local fishing clubs aboard boats. The morning will culminate with a nutritious free BBQ lunch provided by The Messengers Motorcycle Club.

For additional information, to participate as a volunteer, to contribute support or to register a child for this event, please contact New Melones Park Ranger Hilary Maxworthy at hmaxworthy@usbr.gov or 209-536-9094, ext. 236. The registration deadline is Monday, October 1.

For information on New Melones Lake, please call 209-536-9094, ext. 0 (TTY 800-877-8339), visit the New Melones Lake Recreation Resources Branch Office, 6850 Studhorse Flat Road, Sonora, CA  95370, Monday through Friday,    8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit the New Melones website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/.

For information on the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, please visit http://www.castforkids.org.

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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.

Relevant Link:

Let's Move Outside

America's Great Outdoors