Created on: 2/2/2006
| We are very pleased to report that our Program goals for 2005 were surpassed. We have been able to raise beautiful, healthy adult trout in a modified tomato bin using re-circulating well water. The rainbow trout raised during our initial trial phase actually grew at a rate that surprised state aquaculture experts. The trout went into the bin weighing between 1-2 pounds. Many of the more than 200 rainbow trout doubled their weight in less than three months due to the special care provided by Eric and Michelle Gerhung, the property owners and managers of our Paradise Shores Trout Project. With funds provided by donors we were able to plant nearly 1,000 adult rainbows, many in the 2-3 pound range purchased from Alper's Ranch. We are now ready to raise brown trout this spring with confidence. The plans for 2006 include fishing tournaments, aluminum can drives, quarterly newsletters, and breaking ground on our second tomato bin project. The operating budget for the 2006 season will include the purchase of 5,000 fingerling brown trout, high quality feed, filters, and facility maintenance. The brown trout have been ordered for an early spring delivery. We need at this time to raise $10,000 to cover the year's expenses. |
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