NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

January 13, 1999

CONTACT: Lt. Joy M. Hill (352) 732-1225

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR RIVER WATCH PROGRAM

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding a River Watch meeting on Tuesday, January 26 at 7 p.m., at the Thomas C. Kelly Administrative Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., Training Room 1 in Deland. River Watch is a citizen volunteer program developed by the FWC, similar to Neighborhood Watch.

"We plan to hold regular meetings to offer our volunteers interesting informational and educational programs, as well as to encourage them to volunteer their time and expertise to FWC projects along the St. Johns River," said Wildlife Officer Brian Lambert, local program coordinator. Programs will include how to identify violations of the state's fish and wildlife laws, and how to report the violators to the FWC. Other programs include boating safety, alligators, nuisance wildlife and fishing. The program also hopes to recruit volunteers to help with various FWC projects, such as constructing informational kiosks at boat ramps and organized clean ups at public access sites along the river.

"This is a great opportunity for anyone who enjoys the river to help keep it a safe and pleasant place to recreate," said Lambert.

For more information on River Watch call Lambert or Lt. Bill Hightower at (352) 732-1225.