Syracuse.com - DEC helps with the financial support of three new fish rearing tanks at the Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery

[HuntingNY-News]

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The large fish tanks, valued at $10,000, have been installed inside the hatchery and are being used to raise brown trout. Funding for the tanks was provided through an Environmental Benefit Project.

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<p><strong>The following is a DEC press release:</strong></p>

<p>Three new fish rearing tanks were added at Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery, located in the Town of Elbridge in Onondaga County, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced this week.</p>

<p> The large fish tanks, valued at $10,000, have been installed inside the hatchery and are being used to raise brown trout. Funding for the tanks was provided through an Environmental Benefit Project. Through a cooperative agreement with the DEC, the Friends purchased the tanks and provided them to the hatchery.</p>

<p>DEC is happy to be able to support Carpenter’s Brook in its efforts to increase the brown trout population in Central New York,” said DEC Regional Director Ken Lynch. “We have always had an excellent partnership with the County and the hatchery. It’s wonderful when an opportunity like this presents itself where both organizations and the public benefit.”</p>

<p>“The addition of the these new fiberglass rearing tanks will enable Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery to raise larger and better quality trout to be released in the streams of Onondaga County for all sportsmen to enjoy,” said Steve Wowelko, Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Friends. “We appreciate the opportunity to work together with the DEC to provide quality fishing opportunities in Central New York.”</p>

<p>These tanks will have a positive impact on the number of fish that survive to maturity and which get released by hatchery staff into nearby Geddes Brook and other Onondaga County waters.</p>

<p>These new tanks are considerably larger than tanks previously used. The bigger size tanks will allow the fish to grow larger in size before they are transferred outside. Larger fish are less likely to be killed by predators such as hawks and owls and are less likely to die from diseases or sudden temperature changes.</p>

<p>Carpenter’s Brook Hatchery is owned and administered by Onondaga County. It is one of only four county-owned and administered fish hatcheries in the state. The hatchery was originally developed and operated as a joint venture between Onondaga County and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under a Works Project Administration Grant.</p>

<p>Staff and volunteers take great pride in stocking more than 100 miles of streams and 10,000 acres of impoundments. These efforts are necessary to serve the region with the state's largest per capita fish license sales and contribute significantly to local fishing-oriented retail sales of $4 million/year.</p>

<p>The Friends of Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery is a Not-for-Profit organization that supports the hatchery and its many programs. Since its inception in 1994, the Friends have undertaken a number of projects to enhance staff development, increase educational and recreational opportunities for hatchery visitors, and improve fish rearing capabilities. Some of their many accomplishments include the Brookside Picnic Shelter, purchase of 75 acres of land for the Hatchery, construction of the Time Out to Fish Pond, installation of a disabled access playground, and installation of a backup generator for Hatchery systems.</p>

<p>The public is encouraged to visit the hatchery and the fish in their new rearing tanks. Located at 1672 Route 321, Elbridge, the hatchery is free for all visitors and open daily from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oct. 1- April 15.</p>

<p>Beginning April 16, the facility is open daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. through Oct. 31.</p>

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog