News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
April 8, 2005
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.state.nh.us
For information and online licenses, visit 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us

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CONTACT:
Liza Poinier, N.H. Fish and Game: (603) 271-3211
Martin Murray, PSNH: (603) 634-2228
Joe McKeon, U.S. Fish & Wildlife: (603) 595-3586
Julie Klett, New Hampshire Audubon: (603) 224-9909
Helen Dalbeck, Amoskeag Fishways: (603) 626-FISH
April 8, 2005

                    AMOSKEAG FISHWAYS PARTNERSHIP:
          CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF THE MAGIC OF THE MERRIMACK

CONCORD, N.H. -- If the Merrimack River is the life force of 
Manchester, the Amoskeag Fishways, an award-winning environmental education 
center, has been its beating heart since 1995. The partners of the Amoskeag 
Fishways Partnership -- Public Service of New Hampshire, N.H. Fish and 
Game, New Hampshire Audubon, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -- 
today celebrated 10 years of success in providing environmental 
education and promoting wise stewardship of our water resources, "bringing to 
life the magic of the Merrimack" for the people of New Hampshire.

The mission of the Amoskeag Fishways Partnership is to increase science 
and environmental education opportunities at the Amoskeag Fishways 
visitor and education center in Manchester, and to enhance public awareness 
about the state's natural resources. The four partner organizations 
work cooperatively to create innovative, year-round educational programs 
and exhibits at the Fishways for people of all ages. The facility, which 
features exhibits, a fish ladder, viewing window and classroom space, 
has been visited by a half-million people since it opened its doors. 
Fishways staff and volunteers also reach out into the community, 
presenting programs on urban wildlife to school groups and others. More than 
6,000 school programs have been delivered to date.

"The Amoskeag Fishways has been a remarkable partnership that serves as 
a model of the extraordinary alliance that can be built between public 
and private organizations in New Hampshire," noted Gary Long, PSNH 
president and chief operating officer. "The Amoskeag Fishways partnership 
is evolving into a long and wonderful journey that shows what can be 
done with the power of collaboration."

Each of the partners commented on the accomplishments of the Fishways:

PUBLIC SERVICE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE - Gary Long, President and Chief 
Operating Officer:
" Each of the partners involved in the Amoskeag Fishways partnership 
has demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the wildlife of the 
Merrimack River by bringing their experience, resources and expertise to 
the project. PSNH brings an extraordinary owned and operated site and a 
commitment to the best use of that site, creating a synergy between 
environmental stewardship and the company's core business."

NEW HAMPSHIRE AUDUBON - David Houghton, President: 
" The Fishways success story shows that businesses, government, and 
nonprofits can all play critical roles in protecting our environment. The 
last ten years have shown that working in partnership can take us so 
much farther than going it alone. This kind of cooperative effort will be 
even more important in the years to come, as we grapple with New 
Hampshire's tremendous growth. I look forward to working with our partners in 
the years ahead as we take on that challenge."

N.H. FISH AND GAME - Lee Perry, Executive Director:
" The work of the Amoskeag Fishways partners has been of tremendous 
benefit to our fish and wildlife resources and the health of the watershed 
and the local economy. Over the last ten years, our effort has become 
more than just a partnership of organizations -- it's a collaboration 
with New Hampshire's communities and the people who live and work here. 
The Fishways works to bring in new generations of environmental 
stewards, who will do not only important conservation and restoration work in 
the future, but will help to maintain the high quality of life we all 
enjoy here in New Hampshire."

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE - Joe McKeon, Supervisory Fishery 
Biologist, Central New England Fishery Resources Complex, Department of 
Interior, Nashua N.H.:
" The purpose and existence of the Amoskeag Fishways Partnership 
embodies the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to work with 
others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and 
their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Working 
together, the Amoskeag Fishways partners are promoting and developing 
greater awareness among people of all ages about the importance of a 
healthy and vital Merrimack River watershed. Through exceptional education 
programs, and local and regional outreach, the Partnership is 
challenging the future stewards of the watershed to learn and to act 
collectively. Sustaining our Nation's fish and wildlife resources is a task that 
can only be accomplished through the combined efforts of businesses, 
organizations, private citizens, and governments."

AMOSKEAG FISHWAYS - Helen Dalbeck, Executive Director: 
" The Amoskeag Fishways Learning and Visitors Center is the public face 
of this unique partnership. We are able to utilize the many resources 
available to us through these organizations to create and teach 
award-winning environmental education programs. The Fishways is a dynamic and 
fun place to work and visit, and we are excited to provide the public 
with outstanding learning opportunities year-round. Thanks to our 
partners for the last ten years and we look forward to renewed commitment and 
support for the next ten and beyond."

Currently, Amoskeag staff and volunteers are preparing for this year's 
"fish season," May 2 through June 17, when the 54-step fish ladder is 
operating, allowing migrating fish to bypass the Amoskeag Hydroelectric 
Dam. From the vantage point of the Center's underwater viewing window, 
visitors can see fish such as river herring, American shad, and sea 
lamprey "climb" the ladder.

Several fun family events are planned throughout the next few months to 
commemorate the Amoskeag Fishways Partnership's anniversary, including:
   * April 26 -- Grand Opening of the fish passage ladder for the 2005 
migration season
   * April 28 -- US Fish and Wildlife delivering adult Atlantic salmon 
to stock the fish ladder
   * May 7 -- The Fishways Children's Festival 
   * May 21 -- "Get Outside!" -- Demos and workshops featuring outdoor 
recreational activities such as rock climbing, cycling and kayaking
   * June 4 -- The 7th Annual Lamprey Appreciation Day -- Get sucked 
into the fun and hold a live sea lamprey!

The Amoskeag Fishways Learning and Visitor Center is located on Exit 6, 
off Interstate 293 in Manchester, N.H. The Center and exhibit hall are 
open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and, seven days a week 
during fish season (May 2 - June 17, 2005). For information on the 
Fishways, visit www.amoskeagfishways.org or call (603) 626-FISH.

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-- 
Copyright 2005 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, 
Concord, NH 03301.  Comments or questions concerning this list should 
be directed to lpoinier@wildlife.state.nh.us.