On behalf of the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery, I would personally like to thank all the participants and sponsors for their generosity and participation in our annual Kid’s Fishing Derby. This year’s derby was a great success and there is no way we could have done it without the help of our amazing sponsors and volunteers. Over 370 children and their parents/guardians enjoyed our Annual Kid’s Fishing Derby this year and many left with stringers full of fish. It was the vision of the F.I.S.H. Group (Friends In Support of the Hatchery) and the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery to inform, entertain, and provide an enjoyable experience in order to help get kids “hooked on fishing.” The generous contribution allowed us to make our vision a reality. Thank you for helping us connect people with nature! Special thanks to the Natchitoches Regional medical Center for providing all of our participants with an amazing hot lunch and plenty of refreshments. Thank you to CCA (Coastal Conservation Association) Louisiana for providing CCA memberships, sunglasses, and frisbees to the youth participants. Another special thanks to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Department for providing the “Kiddie Train,” and to Fastenal Industrial Supply Company for providing the much needed bottles of water. So many other organizations helped to make this event a success, including Cane River Waterway Commission, Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park, City of Natchitoches, DARE Officers, and the Shreveport Aquarium. These volunteers were essential to the overall success of our Annual Kid’s Fishing Derby. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! Thank you very much!

Sincerely,

Brett Hortman
Project Leader
Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service