I Am Conservation

I Am Conservation

The Eleven Point River Anglers Association has been active for more than 20 years. They promote fishing opportunities for children, support and promote the Eleven Point River fishery, and team with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Forest Service in efforts to maintain and improve camping and picnic areas, boat ramps, and access roads. Each year, the association assists the Ozark Regional Conservation office in West Plains in hosting kids’ fishing days. Summer school students from three Oregon County schools are brought to local ponds to fish. “For many of these students, it’s the first time they’ve ever been fishing!” says Barbara Simpson, Eleven Point Anglers Association vice president. The Department of Conservation stocks the ponds and the association provides bait and a volunteer to assist each child who attends. The children are also awarded their own rods, reels, tackle, and tackle boxes. “Our membership is approximately 200 and we continue to grow each year. Although we are not the only organization promoting the sport of fishing among children, we feel we are doing our part and enjoy it immensely,” says Simpson. (From left) Front row: Johnny Sutherland, Christopher Smith. Back row: Judy Wilson (angler member), Dalton Moore, Kassidy Moore, Ashlee Smith, and Alan Wilson (angler member).

—photo by Noppadol Paothong