August 6 Declared Hatchery Day in Vermont

Open houses & activities to be held at fish hatcheries across the state
Governor Peter Shumlin and officials from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department today announced the declaration of August 6, 2016, as “Hatchery Day” in Vermont in recognition of the important role the state’s fish hatcheries play toward benefiting Vermont’s environment and outdoor recreationalists.

“First and foremost, Vermont’s fish hatcheries play an integral role in the successful management of the state’s fisheries,” said Shumlin. “They’re also a symbol of Vermont’s commitment to our natural resources, a tremendous tool for educating the public about the environment, and a significant part of the state’s history. I’m excited to help celebrate the importance and tradition of Vermont’s fish hatcheries through this declaration.”

Hatchery Day, which will be celebrated by open houses and other activities at the state’s hatcheries, will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Bennington Fish Culture Station and the 125th anniversary of the Roxbury Fish Culture Station, a facility soon to be rebuilt following impacts from Tropical Storm Irene.

“Much has changed since the state’s first hatchery opened in 1891, but our commitment to raising fish to restore fisheries and provide quality recreational angling opportunities has remained steadfast,” said Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter. “Hatchery staff work extremely hard, often around-the-clock, to ensure the hatcheries run efficiently and effectively and meet these overarching objectives. Hatchery Day will be a celebration of the past, present and future of the program — one that we’re very proud of.”
The public is invited to attend open houses at all five of the state’s fish hatcheries on Saturday, August 6, beginning at 9 a.m. These hatcheries include: Ed Weed Fish Culture Station in Grand Isle; Roxbury Fish Culture Station in Roxbury; Ball Hill Fish Culture Station in Newark; Salisbury Fish Culture Station in Salisbury; and Bennington Fish Culture Station in Bennington.

“We encourage families and people of all ages to take a tour of our hatcheries, participate in a range of fun activities for the day and learn how we raise fish and why raising them is so important to Vermont,” said Adam Miller, fish culture operations manager with Vermont Fish & Wildlife.

Each year Vermont’s hatcheries produce approximately 1.5 million fish for stocking, including a range of species such as brook, brown, rainbow, lake and steelhead trout, as well as walleye and landlocked Atlantic salmon.

Along with their role in fisheries restoration, stocked fish also serve as an economic driver for the state, accounting for roughly $31.6 million annually in angler expenditures added to Vermont’s economy.

To learn more about Hatchery Day in Vermont, Vermont’s fisheries programs, fishing regulations, or to purchase a fishing license, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.