As a child growing up in Minnesota I remember summer
vacation from school as a time to get outdoors and enjoy the weather by
fishing. However these days when I am
out on the lake I notice less and less younger people out doing the same.
Minnesota is well known as the land of 10,000 lakes and
having wonderful lakes to catch small or large size fish. So what is the issue? Am I just fishing the
wrong lakes at the wrong time or is it true that the percent of youth fishing
in Minnesota is on the decline?
According to Minnesota
Public Radio the evidence is yes. In
the past 15 years there has been a decline in the amount of youth obtaining
fishing licenses and young adults aren’t fishing as often or taking their young
children fishing.
I know that a lot of people are too busy these days, have
too much to do, and have other things that don’t allow time for fishing, and
the excuses go on and on. I say it is
valuable family time that needs to be carried on as a tradition in Minnesota,
allows you to relieve stress, and is a wonderful time to bond with your
children.
With over 10,000 lakes we need to carry on this wonderful
gift we have been given and pass it to our kids. Leave the phone, IPod, and other electronics
at home and get out on the lakes with your children, relive part of your
childhood, and ensure it is part of your child’s childhood.
I too, grew up on a lake at least half of my life. Winter, spring, summer and fall. Cabins are so a part of our Minnesota identity. Our cabin is still an integral part of my family's life. It's spring fed, I swam with my eyes open. We caught crayfish, turtles, schools of blackheads (which were MN exotic and a little dangerous) and yes, sunnies, perch, crappies, bass, walleye and northern. I know my trees, wildflowers, birds and water plants.
ReplyDeleteI still feel deep peace in any kind of natural environment,but particularly WATER.
If you have no intimacy with nature, why would you be compelled to conserve it?
With all this technology it is important to teach our children how to disengage with it and really enjoy being with nature and spending quality time with each other. I grew up camping and it has taught me a lot of life skills that I still use today. Most importantly it has taught me how to be alone with my thoughts and really appreciate the beautiful things Mother Nature has to offer.
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