2011 LEARN TO FISH PROGRAM BC PROVINCIAL PARKS

Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC’s Learn to Fish 2011 BC Provincial Parks Program Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary 3

Project Rational 4

Program Objectives 4

The Program 5

2011 L2F Program Data 6

Program Accomplishments 6-7

BC Parks Celebrations and Passport Program 8

Program Locations 8-12

2011 Learn to Fish Program Funding 13

Marketing and Promotion 13

2011 BC Parks Learn to Fish Program 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In 2011 the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (FFSBC), in partnership with Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) and BC Parks, delivered the Learn to Fish (L2F) program to 2,357 youth and their families over 61 sessions in provincial parks across BC. These programs are a subsidiary to the Provincial Learn to Fish program which began in 2006 and since has been delivered to over 70,000 participants to date.

For this year’s L2F parks programs, FFSBC received $5,000 from BC Parks, as well as $80,000 from HCTF. The $5,000 in additional funding support this year, along with 100 fishing rods donated from BC parks meant that FFSBC was able to deliver 20 additional Learn to Fish programs in provincial parks, when compared to 2010; FFSBC had committed to delivering an additional 15 programs with BC Parks Funding.

Eight Visitor Centre Coordinators were hired by FFSBC and based out of the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery in Abbotsford, as well as two Fishing Ambassadors based out of Victoria to promote and deliver the L2F programs. It was these staff members that went to provincial parks across the Lower Mainland, , Thompson Nicola, and Okanagan regions to deliver L2F Programs to both overnight and day-use visitors in 12 different BC provincial parks.

While L2F participation increased by 71% from 2010 to 2011, there is still a high demand for delivery of L2F programs to be offered more often and at more locations across BC provincial parks.

Since L2F is proven successful at retaining new anglers, the youth and families that FFSBC introduces to fishing are likely to return to and visit new provincial parks in order to enjoy the recreational fishing opportunities available in BC’s provincial parks.

For 2012 and future years, FFSBC hopes to have continued support from BC Parks, and hopes to develop a “roving crew” of staff members who can travel more often into the interior provincial parks and offer L2F as a more regularly scheduled program where there is high demand.

2011 BC Parks Learn to Fish Program 3 PROJECT RATIONAL

The L2F program was designed to attract new and lapsed anglers to recreational fishing, with a strong focus on conservation and increasing environmental awareness. L2F is just one part of a provincial action plan to increase angler participation. This plan was developed in response to the decline in freshwater fishing license sales which, in 2005, was down 30% since its peak in the mid 1990’s. Other FFSBC initiatives to increase freshwater fishing activity include an extensive marketing campaign and a ‘Fishing in the City’ program. The goal of Fishing in the City is the enhancement of fishing opportunities in densely populated areas, including improving public access, increased stocking and installing informational signage. All of these initiatives compliment and enhance each other and are moving forward synergistically. With the recent increase in freshwater fishing license sales (12% increase since 2005), there is indication that programs such as Learn to Fish are making a difference.

The L2F program has proven to be successful at recruiting new anglers. The 2008 evaluation showed that 87% of adult participants thought that the L2F program made children more likely to go fishing in the future. Data also reflected 44% of children who had not been fishing before attending the program have gone fishing since (new recruits), and 12% of adults participants have purchased a fishing license after attending a L2F program (Roger Barnes, 2008).

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

1) To offer recreational angling and freshwater fish and resource education to youth and their families. 2) To increase the number of freshwater anglers; attracting back lapsed anglers and recruiting new ones to the sport. 3) To increase awareness of and foster compassion towards freshwater animals and their habitats. 4) To break down any barriers to entry level angling through education and the availability of resources. 5) To establish mutually beneficial partnerships with community groups, municipalities, and Park Facility Operator’s (PFO’s) to work towards connecting youth and their families with nature.

2011 BC Parks Learn to Fish Program 4

THE PROGRAM

The L2F program is dynamic, fun, age-specific and ties into BC school curriculum. Each lesson focuses on environmental conservation and fishing as an outdoor recreational activity that anyone can participate in. Traits such as fair play, positive self-image, and teamwork are strongly encouraged. Topics covered in the 2 to 3 hour parks L2F lesson include (age dependent):

1) Freshwater Fish Identification: Salmonids, non-native introduced species, and endangered species 2) Anatomy and Physiology : Fins, scales, slime, lateral line, organs and tissues 3) Tackle and Accessories: Gear overview relating to entry-level fishing 4) Rods, Reels and Lines and Knot Tying: Introduction of spinning and spin-casting set-ups, and how to tie the clinch knot 5) Casting and Retrieving: Dry casting on land with a focus on accuracy and safety 6) Ethics and Proper Fish Handling: Respect fish, respect their habitat, and respect other anglers. Includes how to properly release your catch. 7) Rules and Regulations: Personal responsibility for knowledge surrounding regulations, understanding why rules are in place such as to protect endangered species 8) When, Where and How to Fish: “Fish friendly” areas of the lake or river, shoals and open water, riffles and pools, and depth suspension to target specific species. 9) Water and Boating Safety: Casting safety, hook safety, and safety around the water 10) Angling: Sufficient fishing time to put their newfound skills to the test

Each family gets an easy to follow, 16 page L2F guide as part of their take home package. The L2F guide covers all topics of the program and can be used as a reference by program graduates.

2011 BC Parks Learn to Fish Program 5

2011 L2F PROGRAM DATA

Figure 1: Learn to Fish programs in BC Provincial Parks 2011 No. of No. of No. of Total Participants Location Sessions Youth Adults Participants Per Session Gordon Bay, Cowichan 3 75 56 131 44 , Golden Ears 10 281 147 428 43 Cultus Lake, Chilliwack 9 281 161 442 49 Hicks Lake, Sasquatch Park 14 347 179 526 38 Rolley Lake, Ruskin 8 156 88 244 31 , Manning Park 3 70 53 123 41 Bear Creek, 2 42 27 69 35 Fintry, Okanagan Lake 2 38 30 68 34 Okanagan Lake, Kelowna 2 40 32 72 36 , Scotch Creek 3 70 48 118 39 , 2 29 21 50 25 Alice Lake, Squamish 3 52 34 86 29 Total 61 1481 876 2357 39 *Note: Additional L2F programs were offered through HCTF funding at regional and municipal parks across BC

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

In 2011, eight Visitor Centre Coordinators based out of Abbotsford, and two Fishing Ambassadors based out of Victoria were hired through FFSBC to deliver the L2F program as well as other Information and Education programs through funding from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (funding specifically for off-site parks L2F programs), and BC Parks (specifically for provincial parks programs), and Vancity (specifically for onsite programs offered at the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery in Abbotsford).

This year, 61 L2F programs were delivered in BC provincial parks, a 50% increase in delivery thanks to $5,000 in funding support and 100 new fishing rods donated from BC Parks, we were able to add an additional 20 L2F programs in provincial parks this year. In 2011 the L2F program was offered in 12 different provincial parks to 2,357 youth and their families (see Figure 1), compared to 2010 where it was delivered out of 5 different parks to 1,378 participants. This is a 71% increase in participation when compared to 2010!

2011 BC Parks Learn to Fish Program 6 While L2F participation in BC Parks continues to rise, there is still demand for more programs to be delivered. The seven one-off provincial park delivery locations that FFBBC staff traveled to as part of four overnight trips reached a small fraction of park users for the summer season at each of those parks. Here in the Lower Mainland we can offer regular scheduled programs at four parks located within an hour and half of driving distance from Abbotsford. This means we are able to reach new park users each and every week throughout the busy summer months. After programs were offered at parks such as Lac Le Jeune and Shuswap Lake, we received emails from the public and the Park Facility Operators asking when and if we could come back and deliver more programs. Unfortunately, the four one-off overnight trips to seven different parks were all we were able to fit into our $5,000 budget this year.

Since its beginning, the L2F provincial parks program had been severely reduced in its deliverables up to 2010 since a historic high of 1,949 participants through the program in 2006. This high number of L2F program participants was in large part thanks to $25,000 in funding received through the BC Ministry of Environment’s Parks and Protected Areas in 2006. 2011 is the first year to surpass the participation from 2006 (see figure 2).

Figure 2: Comparisson of L2F Delivery 2006-2011

2,500

2011 2,000 2010 2009 2008 1,500 2007 2006 1,000

Number Number of Participants 500

0 Lower Okanagan Thompson Vancouver Kootenays Total Mainland Nicola Island Region

2011 BC Parks Learn to Fish Program 7 PARKS 100 CELEBRATIONS AND PASSPORT PROGRAM

FFSBC also took part in various Parks 100 celebrations across the province including BC Parks Day in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, BC Day weekend celebrations at Cultus Lake Provincial Park in Chilliwack and Provincial Park near Cranbrook, and the Rediscover Manning event at Lightning Lake in E C Manning Provincial Park. Some of the donated fishing rods were used as prize give-aways at these events.

By participating in the BC Parks Passport program, Learn to Fish participants were able to collect L2F stickers by participating in a provincial park program. Children loved to collect passports and stickers and many of each were handed out by instructors at the parks. Over 200 tackle kit prizes were given out to youth participants that returned to one of our five Visitor Centre’s with their passport.

PROGRAM LOCATIONS

Lower Mainland

Golden Ears Provincial Park – Alouette Lake, Maple Ridge In the summer of 2011, 10 Learn to Fish programs were delivered at Golden Ears provincial Park to a total of 428 youth and their families. This is compared to 8 L2F sessions and 444 participants in 2010. Regular Scheduled programs happened every Wednesday and we were able to offer 2 additional L2F programs for a day care group booking. By setting up in the grassy field above the swimming area beach, we were able to make the L2F program accessible to campers in both the Alouette Lake Campground and the Gold Creek campground.

Golden Ears Date Youth Adults Total 6-Jul 45 15 60 13-Jul 9 6 15 20-Jul 11 9 20 20-Jul 23 4 27 27-Jul 47 21 68 3-Aug 30 23 53 3-Aug 16 2 18 10-Aug 43 25 78 17-Aug 28 22 50 24-Aug 29 20 49 Total 281 147 428

2011 BC Parks Learn to Fish Program 8 Rolley Lake Provincial Park – Ruskin L2F programs were delivered every Tuesday to a total of 244 participants over 8 sessions. This is a 20% increase in participation from 2010 participation. The fishing instruction portion of the program was delivered out of the amphitheatre in the campground, after which participants would walk down to the lake and fish along access points by the trail or near swimming area.

Rolley Lake Date Youth Adults Total 5-Jul 10 10 20 12-Jul 31 15 46 19-Jul 18 13 31 26-Jul 24 13 37 2-Aug 18 11 29 9-Aug 34 16 50 16-Aug 17 8 25 23-Aug 4 2 6 Total 156 88 244

Cultus Lake Provincial Park – Chilliwack In total 442 youth and their families attended L2F programs over 9 sessions in Cultus Lake Provincial Park this year, a 60% increase in participation over 2010! 8 of these programs were regularly scheduled for each Friday of the summer, delivered out of the Maple Bay Campground amphitheatre. This year on July 31 st , FFSBC participated in the BC Parks 100 celebration held at the Maple Bay day-use area. The event was very well attended and over 100 children got to try their luck at fishing that day – 4 pikeminnow and 1

were caught!

Cultus Lake Date Youth Adults Total 8-Jul 19 15 34 15-Jul 29 13 42 22-Jul 24 12 36 29-Jul 19 13 32 31-Jul 102 55 157 5-Aug 28 16 44 12-Aug 12 9 21 19-Aug 20 12 32 26-Aug 28 16 44 Total 281 161 442

2011 BC Parks Learn to Fish Program 9 Sasquatch Provincial Park – Hicks Lake, Harrison In 2011 we delivered a total of 13 L2F programs to 526 participants, compared to 402 participants in 2010. 9 of these programs were regular scheduled sessions held every Saturday in July and August. Due to the funding support from BC Parks this year, we were able to deliver additional L2F programs to 4 classrooms from Kent Elementary this autumn. Youth Participants loved to target and catch the Sculpin that reside along the rocky shores!

Sasquatch Date Youth Adults Total 25-Jun 6 6 12 2-Jul 41 25 66 9-Jul 27 18 45 16-Jul 25 18 43 23-Jul 39 18 57 30-Jul 16 13 29 6-Aug 24 22 46 13-Aug 30 12 42 16-Aug 10 4 14 20-Aug 29 14 43 27-Aug 16 14 30 4-Oct 40 10 50 4-Oct 44 5 49 Total 347 179 526

Manning Provincial Park – Lightning Lake, Hope FFSBC delivered 3 L2F programs as part of a one-off overnight trip to Lightning Lake Campground in Manning Provincial Park. Saturday, July 30 th was the Re-discover Manning Park event which involved a number of different activities offered throughout the park including horseback riding, story-telling, trail walks, campfire, cake and more. FFSBC set up a booth at the Lightning Lake day-use area and ran fishing programs to keen families throughout the day. L2F programs were also offered the night before and the next morning for a total of 123 youth and their families that participated - doubling last years 61 participants!

Manning Date Youth Adults Total 29-Jul 11 10 21 30-Jul 42 33 75 31-Jul 17 10 27 Total 70 53 123

2011 BC Parks Learn to Fish Program 10

Alice Lake Provincial Park – Squamish Alice Lake Provincial Park was a first time L2F delivery location with 3 programs delivered to 86 participants as part of a one-off overnight trip. These 3 programs were offered through BC Parks funding.

Alice Lake Date Youth Adults Total 18-Aug 21 10 31 18-Aug 10 8 18 19-Aug 21 16 37 Total 52 34 86

Thompson Nicola

Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park – Kamloops This summer, 2 programs were delivered to 50 participants at the amphitheatre located in the campground. These programs, also under BC Parks funding, were part of a one-off trip where staff spent 1 night at Shuswap Lake Provincial Park, and 1 night at Lac Le Jeune. L2F programs were last offered here during the summer of 2006 when FFSBC had a crew of two staff based out of Kamloops.

Lac Le Jeune Date Youth Adults Total 5-Aug 15 10 25 6-Aug 14 11 25 Total 29 21 50

Shuswap Lake Provincial Park – Scotch Creek The Learn to Fish program was very well received at Shuswap Lake Provincial Park in 2011, under BC Parks funding, with 118 youth and their families taking part in 3 programs delivered. In 2006, 4 programs were delivered to 91 participants.

Shuswap Lake Date Youth Adults Total 4-Aug 38 26 64 4-Aug 7 5 12 5-Aug 25 17 42 Total 70 48 118

2011 BC Parks Learn to Fish Program 11 Okanagan

FFSBC staff ran 6 L2F programs out of 3 provincial parks located along the west side of Okanagan Lake as part of a one-off overnight trip: Bear Creek, Fintry, and Okanagan Lake.

Bear Creek Provincial Park – Okanagan Lake, Kelowna New to 2011, 2 L2F programs were delivered, one evening and one morning program, to 69 participants. Bear Creek Date Youth Adults Total 25-Jul 21 13 34 26-Jul 21 14 35 Total 42 27 69

Fintry Provincial Park – Okanagan Lake, Kelowna Fintry Also a first time delivery location, 2 programs Date Youth Adults Total 26-Jul 26 20 46 were held one day to 68 participants. 26-Jul 12 10 22 Total 38 30 68 Okanagan Lake Provincial Park – Kelowna L2F programs were offered at the Amphitheatre in the South Okanagan Lake Campground. L2F programs were offered Okanagan Lake here in 2008, under BC Conservation Corps Date Youth Adults Total funding, when 7 programs were delivered to 27-Jul 30 26 56 129 participants. 27-Jul 10 6 16

Total 40 32 72

Vancouver Island

Gordon Bay Provincial Park – FFSBC’s Fishing Ambassador’s based out of Victoria delivered 3 L2F programs to 131 participants.

Gordon Bay

Date Youth Adults Total 13-Jul 23 15 38 10-Aug 30 20 50 24-Aug 22 21 43 Total 75 56 131

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2011 LEARN TO FISH PROGRAM FUNDING

Figure 3: 2011 Provincial Park Learn to Fish Program Funding

Funding Source Description Amount Freshwater Fisheries Society Portion of Outreach Coordinator and Outreach $90,000 of BC Assistant wages Habitat Conservation Trust Metro Vancouver and Southern Vancouver Island $80,000 Foundation urban parks, and Lower Mainland provincial parks BC Parks Provincial Parks L2F program expansion $5,000 Total $175,000

The FFSBC, with support from its partners, plans to continue to grow the L2F program by seeking additional funding in order to reach more areas of the province.

MARKETING AND PROMOTION

All of the L2F programs locations, dates, and times were listed on the FFSBC website at www.gofishbc.com.

Learn to Fish posters were created for each provincial park and posted up on information kiosks, washrooms and the amphitheatres. Visitor Centre staff from Abbotsford went up to the four Lower Mainland park locations the last week of June and placed posters on all washrooms and information boards as an additional effort to the promotion by the Park Facility Operators who helped spread the word about the program. Posters were sent to parks staff at the one-off parks locations a few weeks ahead of time in order to be posted up around the park before the delivery dates.

FFSBC and the L2F program involvement in Parks 100 celebration events were promoted through the Parks 100 website and on promotional posters that were distributed for the events.

The L2F program was also widely advertised by participating in the Parks 100 Passport program.

2011 BC Parks Learn to Fish Program 13