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'Wild About Kootenai River Native Fish' workshop
offered |
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June 1, 2017 |
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By Phil Cooper
IDFG Wildlife Conservation Educator
Have you ever seen a fish with "prehistoric"
characteristics right here in modern- day Idaho?
The Kootenai River White Sturgeon is one such
fish, and it is found only in the Kootenai
River. The Burbot, an unusual fish that
resembles a ling-cod, is another species found
in the Kootenai River system of Idaho, Montana
and British Columbia.
Biologists in the U.S., Canada, and the Kootenai
Tribe of Idaho (KTOI) work cooperatively on
understanding these fish, their interesting life
cycles, and the habitat requirements for the
species’ survival.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) has
scheduled a new "Project Wild" workshop where
teachers and youth leaders can learn about these
fascinating fish while also earning one credit
hour of continuing education credit. The credit
is optional. If you don’t need a credit…you can
come and just enjoy learning about these amazing
fish.
The workshop is scheduled for June 21-22 and
will begin at the Kootenai National Wildlife
Refuge near Bonners Ferry. Participants in the
class will learn about the fish through
presentations by IDFG and KTOI Fisheries
Biologists who work on the Kootenai River,
participating in hands-on activities, fisheries
field work on the Kootenai River, and touring
the Kootenai Tribal fish hatchery where Sturgeon
and Burbot are produced for population
supplementation.
Space is limited, and pre-registration is
required. To register, go to “Education” tab on
the Idaho Fish and Game website.
Project Wild is a wildlife oriented,
multi‑disciplinary set of activities for use
primarily with students. The activities develop
awareness, knowledge and skills concerning the
relationships between humans, wildlife and the
natural world. Wildlife concepts are related to
social studies, mathematics, language arts and
other subjects and do not take time away from
established curricula.
The workshop involves participants in the
activities and demonstrates techniques for
integrating the supplementary materials into
classrooms and informal learning settings.
Wild is used throughout the United States and
several other countries but this particular
class is only offered in Idaho. The goal of the
program is to assist learners in developing a
commitment to responsible and constructive
actions concerning wildlife and the environment
upon which all life depends.
Wildlife is an indicator of environmental
health, and is important to our quality of life.
Where there is abundant wildlife there is likely
to be clean air, clean water, diverse vegetation
and healthy soil.
Young people are fascinated by the study of
wildlife, opening windows of learning into all
subject areas. Project Wild is based on the
premise that young people and their teachers
have a vital interest in learning about the
earth as home for people and wildlife. |
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