New Melones Lake Employees Staff Water Education Booth at the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee

Written by: Sandra Patania

Reclamation booth at the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee.From Thursday through Sunday, May 19-22, 2016, the Bureau of Reclamation’s Central California Area Office provided public outreach at the famous “Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee” in Angels Camp, California. The Fair is one of the longest-running events in the State, dating back to 1893.

New Melones Park Ranger Pat Sanders, Natural Resource Specialist Sandra Patania, and several season-al Park Rangers staffed the Reclamation booth, interacting with several thousand visitors, including school and youth groups. Photos, brochures and mussel prevention giveaways all attracted visitors to the booth, which was particularly noticed for its giant green aquatic-invader monster.

Educating the public on aquatic invasive species and how to prevent their introduction was highlighted. Visitors learned about the impacts of invasive species on river and lake ecosystems through interpretive displays, including the plywood aquatic monster resembling The Creature from the Black Lagoon; many visitors had their picture taken with the creature.

Special attention was given to preventing Quagga and Zebra mussel infestation and the problems associ-ated with Water Hyacinth in the region’s waterways. The link between lost fishing opportunities and the introduction of aquatic invasive species was a message that was strongly emphasized.

The booth also provided information on fishing at New Melones Lake. With low water levels from four years of drought, many visitors appreciated knowing that good recreational fishing may still be found locally. Visitors also learned about protecting cultural and natural resources, restoring the health of wa-terways, and water conservation to ensure a healthy and vibrant outdoor legacy for generations to come.

New Melones staff also provided information on the Every Kid in a Park initiative to grade-school-age children. Every Kid in a Park provides free access for every fourth grader and their family to 2,000 federally managed lands and waters. After 12 years, every school-age child will have been able to visit these public sites for free, inspiring the next generation to be stewards of our nation’s shared natural and cultural heritage.

The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee illustrates and celebrates the Gold Rush era. The Frog Jumping competition begins on the Fair’s first day, with the top 50 jumps entered into the Grand Finals on Sunday. Contestants can bring their own frog or use one of the local California bullfrogs housed at the “Frog Spa.” In 1995, the Board of Directors of the 39th District Agricultural Association adopted the Frog Welfare Policy, stressing the Fair’s commitment to treating the frogs in a humane manner.

Published on June 01, 2016