DEC,  Local Officials Team Up to Offer New Fishing Opportunity Patrons Can Borrow a Fishing Pole from the Dansville Library In a new initiative aimed at getting New Yorkers outdoors,  the state Department of Environmental Conservation has joined with the Dansville Public Library to provide fishing poles for patrons to borrow free of charge,  DEC Regional Director Paul D’Amato announced today.

Sponsored by DEC and the local Fish and Game Club, the program allows Dansville library patrons to sign out one of 16 fishing poles, complete with a bobber, a hook and sinker, a package of spare tackle to keep and informational materials for up to two weeks. “The intent is to give families and youth a terrific opportunity to discover nature through fishing,” D’Amato said.  This initiative was made possible thanks to the tremendous efforts and support of the many sponsors – State Senator Catherine Young,  the Dansville Library,  the Dansville Fish and Game Club and the New York Conservation Officers Association.

This is a perfect example of leveraging limited resources in a cooperative effort to better benefit the youth and citizens of the state.” DEC used federal funds to purchase the fishing equipment. The federal Sport Fish Restoration program is funded by revenues collected from manufacturers of fishing rods,  reels,  reels,  lures,  flies and artificial baits. They pay an excise tax on these items to pay for the management of fishery resources,  conservation and habitat restoration.

Fishing poles will be lent to area residents who have a Dansville Library card.  All program participants must adhere to all appropriate fishing laws,  including have a fishing license for anyone 16 years old or older.  Season,  length,  and daily limits must also be followed.

The Dansville Fish and Game Club will supply the bobbers, hooks and sinkers, keep the equipment in working order and conduct fishing clinics. The Dansville Fish and Game Club recently licensed their club property as a fishing preserve which allows the public to fish there for free, without needing a license.  Their first fishing clinic is planned for May with a local Cub Scouts Pack and the Dansville After School Program is scheduled to take part for June.

The New York Conservation Officers Association provided funds from the Shikar Safari grant to print informational materials on how to fish. These educational supplies are also available to be signed out with the fishing poles from the library.  This is a great addition to our library that would not have been possible without this great partnership between the Library, DEC, the Dansville Fish and Game Club and the New York State Conservation Officers Association.  Dansville Public Library Director Teresa Dearing said.  “Fishing is such a great pastime, but a lot of our kids never get a chance to experience it;  said Senator Catharine Young. “This program will teach individuals of all ages to fish, to provide better local fishing opportunities,  and to give participants an understanding of and a greater appreciation for natural resources."