DEM Environmental Police, Partners Host Free Youth Fishing Event

Environmental police officers from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Law Enforcement will participate in a special youth fishing program in Carolina this Saturday.

WHAT: Cops & Bobbers Youth Fishing Program

WHEN: Saturday, May 12 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. DEM's Carolina Trout Hatchery, Carolina

Cops & Bobbers is designed to teach youth ages 6 to 15 to fish, connect with the outdoors, and develop positive relationships with law enforcement officers in their communities. The free program is sponsored by the US Fish & Wildlife Service in partnership with DEM, the Charlestown Police Department, Narragansett Police Department, and Friends of the National Wildlife Refuges of Rhode Island. During Saturday's two workshops, law enforcement officers will instruct youth on bait and casting techniques, and the officers and participants will have a chance to fish together for trout at the Carolina Fish Hatchery's stocked trout pond.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation in Rhode Island generates $2.4 billion in consumer spending and supports 24,000 jobs. As part of a larger network of recreational opportunities in the state, fishing plays an important role in connecting people with nature, attracting tourism, and supporting a treasured tradition for Rhode Island families. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there are approximately 175,000 recreational anglers (age 16+) in Rhode Island. And recreational fishing contributes more than $130 million to the economy annually.

All equipment and materials including tackle boxes, fish posters, food and drinks will be provided, courtesy of the program sponsors. Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for timely updates.

http://www.ri.gov/press/view/33178

#FishandGame #FreeFishing #RhodeIsland #Fishing