Howell, MI, August 7, 2013 -Organizers of the 9th annual Family Fishing Derby raised a record $1,000 to support the construction of a new mink habitat at the Howell Conference & Nature Center.
Held on the Huron Chain of Lakes, the event enjoyed broad support from local businesses and--despite heavy downpours--attracted hundreds of anglers. Two residents of the Nature Center's Wild Wonders Wildlife Park--Minky (left) one of the beneficiaries of the event, and Kili, a permanently injured bald eagle--made appearances at the awards ceremony, accompanied by their handler, Nancy Sloan.
Winning teams:
Bass Category
1st Place - Bass Hunters - 18 1/2" - 2 lbs 15.2 oz
2nd Place - Pro Craft - 18 1/4" - 2 lbs 9.2 oz
3rd Place - Webfoots - 17" - 2 lbs 2.7 oz
Bluegill/Sunfish Category
1st Place - Schurmanators - 10 1/2" - 14.5 oz
2nd Place - Nichol's Crew - 10" - 12.6 oz
3rd Place - 5 For Fun And Money - 9 3/4" - 11.9 oz
Perch Category
1st Place - 5 For Fun And Money - 9 1/2" - 5.9 oz
2nd Place - Late Bait - 9 1/4" - 5.3 oz
3rd Place - Perch Posse - 9" - 5.0 oz
Proceeds of the fundraiser will be added to other donations to fund the construction of a new mink habitat in the Howell Conference & Nature Center's Wild Wonders Wildlife Park. The mink is moving to make way for a permanently injured saw-whet owl adopted from a licensed rehabilitator in Portland, OR. Because of the Nature Center's national reputation for handling raptors (birds of prey), it was a logical choice for the placement. The tiny owl is well-suited size-wise to the existing mink habitat with minimal renovations. The mink will move to an expanded habitat that will included a larger, deeper pond for the mammal to catch fish. The new habitat will cost an estimated $2800, and the Fishing Derby netted $1000 in support of that project.
The success of the event rests on its support from local businesses, including:
Roberts Company
Carpet Depot
Zukey Lake Tavern
Lakeland Marina
and many other businesses that contribute raffle and door prizes.
About Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education at the Howell Conference & Nature Center
The Howell Nature Center's Wildlife Rehabilitation program celebrated 30 years in service to injured and orphaned animals in 2012. It is the largest and most comprehensive program of its kind in Michigan, and is recognized across the country for its specialization in raptors, or birds of prey. The Nature Center cares for 2,300 injured and orphaned animals every year, with the bulk of those intakes coming in May, June and July.
