TROUT NATURE CENTER
Trout Resource Education Center
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The Vada Sheid Community Development Center is currently
under construction on the ASU-Mountain Home campus. Within this 65,000 square
foot facility is an approximate 6,500 square foot space on the first floor that
will house the Trout Resource Education Center which will be open to the general
public as well as students.
The trout center will provide for interactive trout-related exhibits including several that explore the realm of virtual reality. The exhibits will spawn interest in the “Trout Tech” and “Trout Eggsperience” programs for children, the White River System Trout Datacenter for avid fishermen as well as research by ASUMH students along with research and internships by advanced degree students from ASU-Jonesboro. The research activities and internships by students in the Wildlife Management undergraduate program and Environmental Sciences graduate program at ASU-Jonesboro are major components of this project.
This Arkansas trout and habitat awareness project will
address the following goals:
1. To increase the visitors’ and residents’ awareness and knowledge of
2. The history of the White River and its tributaries including steamboats,
ferries, and various occupations related to early river life such as digging
mussels.
3. The history of the Minimum Flow Project including the destruction of the warm
water fishery by dam construction and the subsequent trout stockings by the
National Fish Hatchery and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, as well as
demonstration of how the project will restructure trout resources, the regional
economy, and improve designated uses for tourism, including trout habitat,
improved navigation and wade fishing.
4. Eco-friendly practices and actions that can sustain trout and ecosystem health
when fishing and/or engaging in other water sports.
5. To enhance and encourage the joy of trout fishing among children and adults of
all ages.
6. To provide accessible, up-to-date user friendly data about trout and trout
fishing for guides/fishermen.
7. To create a “national trout hall of fame" which would recognize and memorialize
those individuals who have fostered an interest in and understanding of the
trout. Categories for inductees would include education, communication, research
and innovation.
The hypothesis is that if people are presented with effectual awareness and knowledge about the trout and aquatic life in the White River System and about the positive impact that the minimum flow project will have on the total environment (people, trout, other animals, plants, industry, etc.), then they will adopt actions that enhance the health and welfare of the trout and improve the economy and quality of life.
It is hoped that various groups will become involved
with this project. Several national trout-related organizations have already
expressed an interest in being a part of this trout center as well.
Currently
a more detailed description of this project has been submitted to the National
Science Foundation for a three year grant proposal. Once completed, this center
will attract over 10,000 visitors annually to the Trout Resource Education
Center as well as 3,000 or more children that will participate in the Trout Tech
program. The economic impact on the north central Arkansas region will be
significant.
The proposed Trout Resource Education Center will include…
1. History of the White River
2. Minimum Flow Project examples for restructuring trout resources
3. Eco-friendly practices and actions to sustain trout and their habitat
4. Enhance and encourage the joy of trout fishing
5. Provide current data about trout and trout fishing for guides and fishermen
6. National Trout Hall of Fame for individuals that have fostered an interest in trout.