|
| |
| From the
1999 Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society Midyear Meeting held in
Chattanooga, Tennessee. |
Mississippi’s Community
Assistance Program: Opportunities and Problems
Dennis K. Riecke, Mississippi Department of Wildlife,
Fisheries and Parks, P.O. Box 451, Jackson, Mississippi 39505; Voice 601-364-2205; FAX
601-364-2209; E-Mail dennisr@mdwfp.state.ms.us
Keywords: urban fishing program, problems,
opportunities
The objective of this program is to encourage the
development and fisheries management of small community waters for public use by
providing, technical advice, and fish. The goal is that conveniently located waters will
provide successful fishing experiences (i.e. high catch rates) which will attract new
anglers, especially children. Since 1995 we have received 20 inquiries and executed 5
agreements involving 7 ponds totaling 18.2 acres. Reasons for failing to sign agreements
include: unsuitable sites, inability to obtain land, funding problems and decreased
interest. The period from initial contact to agreement execution has averaged 14 months
with a range of 6-21 months. New/renovated waters are stocked with fingerling bass,
bluegill and channel catfish at rates recommended for farm ponds and closed to fishing for
2 years. Eight acres are open to fishing with 6.2 acres of new/renovated waters scheduled
to open in 1999. Internal (agency) problems include: a narrow objective and goal; low
priority; inconsistent funding; and use of fingerlings due to limited hatchery capacity.
External (cooperator) problems include: loss of interest after initial contact; lack
knowledge/commitment to perform routine management activities and poor communication. The
agency should reconsider program goals to emphasize the noncatch benefits these waters
provide; increase communication and provide formal training of cooperators.
|
|
