Hot Creek Hatchery Foundation Inc.
A nonprofit 501 (c)(3) public benefit corporation.
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Hot Creek Hatchery Foundation Inc. A nonprofit 501 (c)(3) public benefit corporation.
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The Problem The State of California Department
of Fish and Game Hatchery System is faced with a severe and continuing budgetary
shortfall. The Hot Creek Hatchery, located near Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern
Sierra and one of the largest hatchery operations in the state, faces possible
closure. Reduction or elimination of trout stocking throughout the state will
endanger the historic family fishing tradition. The Hot Creek Hatchery
The Hot Creek State Fish Hatchery was born in 1936 and has evolved to the point
of being one of the most important broodstock and production facilities in the
Western United States. The hatchery not only stocks Eastern Sierra locations
with catchable rainbow trout, it supplies fertilized trout eggs to other
hatcheries throughout California, the United States, and around the world. Solution Local trout farmer, Tim Alpers organized the project which is now known as the Hot Creek Hatchery Foundation. "Our vision is to develop the potential of this facility and promote self-sufficiency" says Tim. "Because of it's proximity to transportation infrastructure, educational institutions and established communities, the potential for kids fishing programs, adaptive handicapped fishing opportunities, and environmental education programs is unlimited." On December 7, 2004, State Officials agreed to a Public-Private Partnership for the operation of the hatchery. The foundation will provide 40 percent of operating expenses for each fiscal year, with the Department of Fish and Game providing the remaining 60 percent. In a nutshell, the foundation will be responsible for $142,200 in operating expenses covering such items as fish food and diesel fuel. We are currently seeking public donations to keep the hatchery functioning at minimal levels. Without it's operation, trout fishing in the Eastern Sierra's will be crippled severely. Please support the Hot Creek Hatchery Foundation by making a donation. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Hot Creek Hatchery Fact Sheet Produces 12.75 million fertilized trout eggs yearly for supplying ten California Department of Fish and Game operated hatcheries throughout the state. Produces 2 million fingerling and sub-catchable rainbow, brown and Kamloops rainbow trout annually for put-and-grow water in the state. Produces 700,000 catchable rainbow trout annually for stocking in Eastern Sierra waters. Produces hundreds of trophy-class heavyweight broodstock rainbow trout annually for eventual stocking in Eastern Sierra waters. Produces 700,000 sub-catchable Kamloops rainbow strain trout annually for put-and-grow waters. Produces 500,000 fertilized Kamloops rainbow trout eggs annually for shipment to other hatchery locations.
The Hot Creek Hatchery Foundation On December 7, 2004, the California Department of Fish and Game and the Hot Creek Hatchery Foundation, Inc. formed, through a cooperative agreement, a public-private partnership. This pilot program will provide a permanent funding source and long-term master plan for the facility. The Foundation is a charitable, non-profit public benefit corporation which will bring an infusion of independent funding and entrepreneurial energy to the operation while, at the same time, be tempered by State government stability and oversight. Support for the partnership came from California Department of Fish and Game Director Ryan Broddrick: "We understand the important role that hatcheries play in supporting recreational opportunities in nearby communities and it is important that those communities have a stake in this process. I look forward to working with local groups such as the Hot Creek Hatchery Foundation to maintain and improve our hatchery operations statewide." The initial goal of the partnership will focus on the Foundation providing for some of the operational costs at the hatchery. However, the vision for the Hot Creek Hatchery is not limited to maintaining the "status quo." The intent is to develop the potential of the facility and promote self-sufficiency. Vision Statement The partnership seeks to manage the Hot Creek Hatchery in a manner that: * enhances fishing opportunities in the State of California * acts to preserve and enhance California's fisheries resources * is based on sound economic principles that promote economic benefits for the community and the State of California * uses sound fisheries management and husbandry practices in fish production, distribution, and facility operations Programs
The Americans with Disabilities Act - Programs designed specifically for the Handicapped are woefully short in the freshwater fishing industry. The existing infrastructure and historic ponds located at the Hot Creek Hatchery lend themselves to more adaptive angling opportunities for the physically challenged. Kids Fishing Program - With the success of the Mammoth Lakes Kids Fishing Festival, and the California Department of Fish and Games high profile urban fishing programs, the partnership desires to accommodate and expand kids fishing opportunities at the Hot Creek Hatchery. Visitor Center - Given the interesting history and the operational complexity of the Hot Creek Hatchery, the partnership desires to construct a Visitor Center on the premises. The Visitor Center will serve as an interpretive function as well as a focal point for organized tours and the public in general. Education - The partnership desires to expand educational opportunities at the Hot Creek Hatchery. Working with educational institutions, environmental and life history curriculums could be developed. Cooperative internship programs with educational institutions could be developed to promote interest in the fields of fisheries biology and aquaculture, and insure a qualified employment pool for the entire State Hatchery system. What You Can Do Join the Eastern Sierra Trout Team! The Eastern Sierra Trout Team is a distinguished group of individuals, corporations, businesses, organizations and civic leaders who provide financial support each year to the Hot Creek Hatchery Foundation. Donations Please help support trout fishing in California. Donations to this worthwhile cause are greatly appreciated. Gifts of all sizes are needed to support the Hot Creek Hatchery. Any individual or organization making an annual contribution of $100 or more to the Foundation automatically qualifies for membership in the Eastern Sierra Trout Team. All donors of $100 or more will be listed in the Foundation's newsletter and will be invited to the annual barbeque. GoalsEastern Sierra Trout Team Goals The Hot Creek Hatchery Foundation must raise $200,000 annually to support its share of Hatchery operations. Historic ponds at the Hot Creek Hatchery will be opened on a limited basis to provide fishing opportunities for kids.
Contact InformationHot Creek Hatchery Foundation Inc. - A 501 (c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation.
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