News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces C.A.S.T. for Kids Event at New Melones Lake on Saturday, August 6

Media Contact: Shane Hunt, 916-978-5100, shunt@usbr.gov

For Release: July 08, 2016

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, August 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at New Melones Lake’s Mark Twain Recreation Area, adjacent to the New Melones Lake Administration Center.

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 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.

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 encourages children and their families to enjoy outdoor activities that abound in every city, town and community.

An annual children’s fishing event was started at New Melones Lake in 1992 by Reclamation staff and 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 will be offered. The morning will culminate in a free BBQ lunch.

For questions, to register a child, participate as a volunteer, or contribute support for this event, please contact New Melones Park Ranger Mike McGraw at mmcgraw@usbr.gov or 209-536-9094 ext. 233. Pre-registration is required for participants and volunteers by Friday, July 29. Please register online at http://castforkids.org/event/newmelones/.

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

For information on New Melones Lake, 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-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.