Mills Fleet Farm is hosting their annual Kids' Fishing Appreciation Day on Saturday, July 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 15 Fleet Farm stores throughout Minnesota. The event teaches kids basic fishing skills, such as casting, knot tying, fish identification, safety and live bait use.
The event is free and open to all kids.
Representatives from Minnesota Sea Grant, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Watercraft Inspection Programs, Carver County Aquatic Invasive Species Program, Winona Soil and Water Conservation District, University of Minnesota Extension Detectors Program, Ottertail County AIS Program, Douglas County Land and Resource Management and others will co-host Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!TM booths at all 15 locations to help educate anglers, young and old, about the problems caused by aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. Preserved aquatic invasive species specimens, educational materials and AIS experts will be available.
“This is a particularly exciting event for us in the Northland, because this is the first year the Hermantown Mills Fleet Farm has been open for this event,” said Marte Kitson, Minnesota Sea Grant environmental literacy extension educator. “Now, kids from this area can participate and learn about aquatic invasive species and how to prevent their spread, which is important for protecting our economy and natural resources.”
This is the ninth year Minnesota Sea Grant has coordinated Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!TM booths during this event.
“Minnesota Sea Grant greatly appreciates the support of Mills Fleet Farm and our many partners,” said Doug Jensen, Minnesota Sea Grant aquatic invasive species program coordinator. “Kids get excited about fishing and this annual event is a tremendously valuable opportunity for us to educate Minnesotans on how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.”
With nearly 12,000 lakes and a coast on the world's largest body of fresh water, Minnesota possesses a bounty of aquatic and coastal resources. Through scientific research and public education programs, Minnesota Sea Grant works to enhance Minnesota’s coastal environment and economy.