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, Vancouver Island, 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 Alouette Lake, 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 Lightning Lake, Manning Park 3 70 53 123 41 Bear Creek, Okanagan Lake 2 42 27 69 35 Fintry, Okanagan Lake 2 38 30 68 34 Okanagan Lake, Kelowna 2 40 32 72 36 Shuswap Lake, Scotch Creek 3 70 48 118 39 Lac Le Jeune, Kamloops 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).