News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces C.A.S.T. for Kids Fishing Event at New Melones Lake on Saturday, Oct. 12

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, MP Region Public Affairs Officer, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: September 19, 2013

http://www.castforkids.org

SONORA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation’s Central California Area Office will hold a C.A.S.T. (Catch a Special Thrill) for Kids fishing event on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at New Melones Lake’s Tuttletown Boat Launch in the Tuttletown Recreation Area. New Melones Lake is located in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties, approximately 60 miles east of Stockton, Calif.

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. 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.

The event ties into President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative (http://americasgreatoutdoors.gov/), which 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 and vibrant outdoor legacy for generations to come. The event also follows the Department of the Interior’s Let’s Move Outside initiative (http://www.letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside), which encourages children and their families to enjoy outdoor activities that abound in every city, town and community.

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 and expert fishing advice and demonstrations will be available from experienced anglers. 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 support or to register a child for this event, please contact Park Ranger Cynthia Watson at creppond@usbr.gov or 209-536-9094, ext. 217. The registration deadline is Monday, Sept. 30. For information on the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, please visit http://www.castforkids.org.

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

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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:

http://americasgreatoutdoors.gov/

http://www.letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside