SPIRIT LAKE, IOWA Berkley and its conservation division, the Berkley Conservation Institute, have joined the recently created Hot Creek Trout Hatchery Foundation. The Berkley Conservation Institute is the Foundation's first partner with a multi-year financial commitment.
The Foundation was formed to help finance operating expenses at California's historic Hot Creek Trout Hatchery. As a result of the Foundation's efforts the production facility will be able to survive state budget cuts and continue to improve trout and salmon recreational angling in California.
"I grew up in this community and couldn't imagine us letting this hatchery close," said Ron Ten Berge, Vice President for North American Sales for Pure Fishing. "When Tim Alpers and the Foundation asked for our help, we were eager to join this historic partnership. Berkley is a national leader in fisheries conservation and we are dedicated to the future of fishing so this is a natural for us."
Tom Bedell, Chairman of Berkley stated, "At Berkley we are very focused on what we do. Our passion, our goals, our dreams, everything we do is centered on fishing. Designing and building products. Helping people enjoy them. And working to sustain fishable waters with good populations of fish. These efforts we gladly undertake, carrying on our long-standing tradition and echoing the value and spirit of our fishermen founders."
Jim Martin, Berkley Conservation Director, will be participating in the December 7, 2004, dedication of the Foundation and announcement of the new partnership at the Mono County Board of Supervisors in Bridgeport, California. "Every hatchery program in America is plagued with chronic funding problems," noted Martin. "But dedication to the future of fishing at Berkley is unequaled and we are excited to be helping the Hot Creek Hatchery."
During the ceremony the first check from the Berkley Conservation Institute will be presented to Tim Alpers and the Hot Creek Trout Hatchery Foundation. Continued fund raising by Berkley will be earmarked for the Foundation.
"We encourage creative public-private partnerships, innovation, investment and accountability", said California Secretary for Resources, Mike Chrisman. This partnership is economic progress and it protects the environment showing that what is good for the environment is good for California."
For more information about Berkley, or for the nearest Berkley retailer, call Berkley Angler Services at 1-800-BERKLEY or visit the Berkley Fishing website.