Applications for coldwater conservation school available

The New Jersey School of Conservation in Sussex County will again be the host site for a Coldwater Conservation School being offered by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish and Wildlife and the N.J. State Council of Trout Unlimited and its supporting chapters.

The school will be held June 26-29 and is open to youth who will be between the ages of 11 and 14 at the time of the program.

The goal of the school is to foster a knowledge and appreciation of trout and the coldwater habitats on which they depend. Understanding all the elements necessary for healthy streams and good trout habitat helps students realize the importance of stream and water quality protection, and roles they can play in stream conservation.

Division of Fish and Wildlife biologists and instructors from Trout Unlimited will teach sessions about stream ecology, fish habitat, fish biology and identification, aquatic insect identification, fly tying, fly-casting, and stream restoration. There also will be evening programs where students will learn about reptiles and New Jersey's black bears.

The cost of the Coldwater Conservation School is $275, which includes food, lodging and equipment for the entire four days and three nights.

Applications are due April 1. Students accepted into the Sshool will be notified by the end of April. Last year's school had more than 30 participants.

Information about the Coldwater Conservation School, including the official application, can be found at: www.njfishandwildlife.com/conservation_school.htm.

Information about Trout Unlimited can be found at: www.njtu.org/ and the NJ School of Conservation at csam.montclair.edu/njsoc/ .

Questions about the school should be directed to Jessica Griglak at 908-637-4125, Ext. 112 or jessica.griglak@dep.state.nj.us.