Fishy Business
Posted by Gil Jones on May 01, 2017
Some occupations are just plain fishy. OK, that's corny, but it fits. Dr. Scott Walker explained the benefits of fish and related species.
Dr. Scott Walker is the Ass't Project Leader at the Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery which is located just off of Park Road 4, just down from the Inks Lake State Park. He gave a fascinating talk covering the activities of the "IDNFH" which goes far beyond raising fish. Originally built in the 1938-1940 period to supply fish in the new Highland Lakes chain of lakes, the hatchery has expanded far beyond that simple task.
Functions include managing and supplying fish to indian reservations under various indian treaties, holding "kid day" programs, being a resource and center of interest and education to the general public, working to preserve endangered species of freshwater mussels, and hosting interns for OJT training. The hatchery is also home to the area Master Gardeners who have done much of the landscaping at the hatchery. It is open for visits from the public and would be good for an outing any day.