Hatchery Happenings: Spring 2018

The Booth Society, Inc.

Hatchery Happenings Spring 2018

Produced by Booth Society, Inc., the nonprofit friends group of D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives

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Established in 1896 to propagate, stock, and establish trout populations in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives is dedicated to Gish culture and resource management.

Booth Society Mission Statement The Booth Society is a non-profit dedicated to promoting, preserving and enhancing the educational, cultural and recreational opportunities at D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.

Programs supported by the Booth Society include: Hatchery Helpers Youth Volunteer Program Traveling RV Summer Volunteer Program Local Volunteer Program Educational Outreach & Curriculum Grounds Maintenance & Facility Improvements Historical Preservation & USFWS Archives Support Public Outreach & Tours SD Junior Duck Stamp Program Special Events: Booth Day, Father’s Day Brunch, Hatchery Holidays Gift Shop and Fish Food Sales Generations Endowment Grant Writing Advocacy on local, state, national levels Friends Group Support for Refuges and Hatcheries

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After a very successful Gish production history, the hatchery was brieGly closed in the 1980’s but soon reopened with a new mission and partnerships to help preserve the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's historic and cultural heritage.

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Still rearing trout for tribal and military waters, the hatchery also serves to protect and preserve Gisheries records and artifacts for educational, research, and historic purposes and provides interpretive and educational programs for the public.

!!For event information, photos, interesting tidbits and more, take a look:

Facebook.com www.dcboothfishhatchery.org

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The Society relies on memberships, donations, grants, retail & City Hospitality Tax.

Booth Society

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Steve Shuck, President Howard Bernstein, Vice President Larry Kallemeyn, Treasurer Warren Satterlee, Secretary Alissa Adams Ryan Meredith Kevin Krog Michelle Loobey-Gertsch Dillon Haug Carlos Martinez (Ex OfGicio) HONORARY DIRECTOR Arden Trandal STAFF Karen Holzer - Executive Director Nancy Cole - Gift Shop Manager Don Nichols - Part-time Maintenance Dave Nickel - Part-time Archivist

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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS)

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HATCHERY FWS STAFF Carlos Martinez - Superintendent April Gregory - Curator Mitch Adams - Maintenance Chief Vacant - Archivist/Historian Vacant - Administrative Officer (AO) Vacant - Park Ranger (Visitor Services) Elijah Small - Seasonal Bio Tech Vacant - Seasonal Museum Tech

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AUXILIARY FWS PROGRAM STAFF Joe Nichols - Wildlife Biologist Terry Liddick - Flyway Biologist/Pilot

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Booth Society, Inc A year ago, I was hired as the executive director for the Booth Society, Inc. What a great year it has been!

I arrive at work each morning surrounded by nature at its best - from the dew sprinkled branches to sunbeams peeking over the canyon walls and birds careening the skies.

I have experienced the four seasons - soaking spring rains, hot Karen Holzer sunny afternoons, darkening shadows, and snow silhouettes.

Along with those wonders, I have been part of an unique visitor experience as individuals wander across the babbling Spearfish Creek into the enchanted land of the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives.

Children come to feed the fish, dogs bring their owners for walks, strollers are pushed with babies basking in the sun, and bird watchers peer through binoculars. As they share their stories, each has their own connection to the Hatchery and federal public lands. Many came as children and are now bringing grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The site is a must stop for repeat visitors from across the world.

The 11 acre public lands area welcomes 160,000+ visitors annually to experience the outdoors, and so much more. The D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives provides cultural and

historic experiences through the interpretive tours provided during the summer season. So many tidbits and nuggets of history, life stories, and of course the fish and wildlife, are intertwined throughout the Hatchery.

It has been a great year with special events, interactions with the public, and educational outreach programs with a conservation emphasis. We are excited to share stories and photographs of the activities, events, people, and work of the Hatchery through this annual report. I welcome you to look through the pages and enjoy the Hatchery as it interacts with visitors from near and far, sharing wildlife and the story of fisheries.

The past year has been busy, packed full of new responsibilities and duties. I am amazed with the community & national support of the Hatchery. I am excited for the opportunity to work with so many organizations and individuals on projects, fundraisers, and special events with the common goal of promoting the Hatchery.

As we look forward to the busy months ahead, I welcome everyone to visit the Hatchery, tour the Booth House, Fish Rail Car, Von Bayer museum, and the Yellowstone Boat. And, of course, feed the fish and watch the trout in the underwater viewing area. I look forward to another year interacting with our volunteers and guests as they explore the grounds - enjoying the outdoors and experiencing their Public Lands.

FROM THE CURATOR - National Fish & Aquatic Conservation Archives at D.C. Booth

Fish stocking records. Water testing kits.

Historic photos. ScientiGic Gisheries research papers.

Preserved Gish egg specimens. These are just a few examples of the items that we house in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s (FWS) Fish & Aquatic Conservation Archives that is at the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery.

The archives are vast in size and contain priceless information on the history and work of our nations Gisheries conservation work. We have items that date back to 1871, the year the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries –which evolved into todays U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS)— to present day items.

A wonderful thing about our collection is that it’s not stagnant, it continues to grow. In fact, there are more than 1.7 millions items in the archives!

Although our primary focus is FWS Gish and aquatic work and associated objects, we have items from every state in our nation, as well as several foreign countries. There are also items from private hatcheries as well as multiple Gisheries organizations such as the American Fisheries Society. Everything is

stored in temperature and humidity controlled archival rooms, meeting industry standards.

Each year, researchers from around the country contact us for more information on Gisheries work, proving that the archives are a viable and important resource April Gregory to many.

While the archives are available for tours by appoint- ment only, everything on display in the Von Boyer Museum of Fish Culture is from the collection, as well as items in the historic superintendent’s house and Gish rail car.

I invite you to tour the buildings this summer season, look at our new outdoor interpretive signs on the history of the National Fish Hatchery System, and learn more about our country’s incredible Gisheries past, present and future!

Distinguished Friends of the Hatchery Rep. Kristi Noem, April Gregory honored by Booth Society

2017 Distinguished Friends

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Representative Kristi Noem is a strong supporter of the D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery.

Serving in Congress, she was instrumental the last few years in including language in the House Appropriations Bills stipulating federal funds could not be used to close the hatchery or move the archival collection from the facility. Rep. Noem and her staff routinely check in with the Booth Society for updates and maintain a close watch on the operations of the facility. Looking forward, Noem continues to work on re-staffing the hatchery with FWS staff.! !

April Gregory served as the executive director of the Booth Society from 2011-2016. She spearheaded a successful advocacy campaign to keep the hatchery open that resulted in support from Congress, community awareness and over 40,000 letters of support from the public. In addition to the time-consuming advocacy efforts, Gregory managed the hatchery’s gift store, fundraising, special events, advertising and grant applications, recruited and trained volunteers and coordinated visitor services, public outreach, and youth education for the 160,000 annual visitors. !

Volunteers Larry and Jo Kallemeyn recognized for their contributions

2016 Distinguished Friends

Larry and Jo Kallemeyn have invested hours of time and expertise volunteering for the Booth Society. When they retired to Spearfish in 2008, they quickly found themselves involved at the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives. They have volunteered in many roles, excelling in their work with the USFWS Fish & Aquatic Conservation Archives. Larry and Jo volunteered with the former curator for 4 years and continued to work with the archives during the three years the curator position at D.C. Booth was vacant. They have responded to research requests, cataloged countless items, and even did pest control. ! !

As a retired fisheries employee, Larry tackles research requests wholeheartedly, spending hours poring over documents to make sure he is sending accurate and complete information. Jo has helped design and write many labels for the displays in the museums.

Jo also created a self-guided tour and scavenger hunt of the Von Bayer Museum exhibits.

Larry comments, “It’s heaven volunteering at the largest fisheries archives in the nation.”

Gregory, new Curator; Holzer, new Executive Director April Gregory became the curator of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fish & Aquatic Conservation Archives, located at D.C. Booth, in January 2017. Her position involves the oversight and care of fisheries items and documents from across the United States that are stored at the archival facility. She is also growing the collection and responding to research requests from around the nation, among other duties. As a U.S. Fish and Wildlife employee, she joins Carlos Martinez and Mitch Adams as full-time agency employees working at the National Fish Hatchery in Spearfish SD.! !

Previously, April was the executive director of the Booth Society, Inc. April moved to Spearfish sight unseen specifically for the fisheries archives. She started as an intern training under the previous curator, Randi Smith.

April is excited to be back in the archives working with a collection she loves.!

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Karen Holzer was hired as the Executive Director of the Booth Society, Inc. in 2017. She handles the administrative duties of the Booth Society, trains and manages the traveling RV volunteers, coordinates the SD Junior Duck Stamp Contest and youth programming, and plans and executes special events, fundraising, and outreach into the community. Her duties promote D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives through activities, advertising, and education. ! !

Karen was born and raised in Timber Lake, SD. She retired from a 32-year career with the United States Postal Service. She and her husband, Dave, moved to Spearfish in 2014. Karen is excited to become part of the non-profit organization that supports D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives. She especially enjoys doing educational outreach to youth of all ages that visit the hatchery.

Hatchery Visitors

Registers in the

Our visitors say:

venues recorded

daughter said it was like watching popcorn pop when the fish “popped “ up to the surface to eat.” - Gina

“My girls loved throwing a handful of the fish food and watching the fish all go crazy for it!. My youngest

visitors from all 50 states, District of Columbia, and 13 different countries.

Wow!

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“Such a great family adventure. We took our boys there several times while they were young, now we are taking our grandkids. The staff and grounds are superb.” - Brenda

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“I have been coming to the fish hatchery since I was a baby! I love seeing it so well tended and loved by the

community.” - Meredith

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“You made the visit to this wonderful spot a memorable moment. The volunteers were so much appreciated

for their kindness and knowledge.” - Golden Hills Antique Club

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“I left a bit of my heart in Spearfish. I can not thank you enough for all you have done for me: the most important is you all made my great-grandparents and their legacy real.” - Katharine Booth Goodson

Morris Mikkelsen from Cedar Falls, Iowa, lived in the Booth House as a child in the mid 1950’s. He visited the Hatchery in 2017 with his family including 11 grandchildren.

Booth family members examining family photos in the archives.

Snow or shine - we have visitors year round!

Arden Trandahl, former director of D.C. Booth, shares stories of the Hatchery.

Plein Air artist David Dorsey paints the Booth House.

Reading a book from the Little Free Library.

Visitors of all ages love the fish and ducks!

Graduate taking picture before BHSU graduation.

D.C. ! Booth Hatchery Stocks Trout on Tribal Lands Did you know the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery rears Rainbow and Brown trout for tribal lands? Stocking provides recreational fishing opportunities and provides a boost in economically depressed areas while fulfilling tribal obligations on behalf of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Stocking numbers and locations are coordinated with the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (Billings, MT); Great Plains Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (Pierre, SD); and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Tribal Liaison.

What’s in a name? A look at the naming of Spearfish

Mountain Sucker

Legend has it that Native Americans speared fish in the waters of the Black Hills, hence the name Spearfish.

Early native anglers would have harvested suckers, not trout, since trout are not native to the Hills. Longnose suckers (Catostomus Catostomus) and Jordan’s sucker now known as the mountain sucker (Catostomus platyrhynchus) - were found in abundance by Barton Evermann during his early investigations of the Black Hills. The first trout introduced to the area were brook trout, by private citizens in 1886, who obtained them from Leadville, CO.

Burbot spawning at Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery, ND Captive broodstock are providing an opportunity to further the understanding of burbot (Lota lota) propagation. Burbot have experienced population decline and is extirpated from much of its former range. The Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery (Coleharbor, ND) has developed spawning techniques and is now exploring suitable food sources to propagate the species intensively. For some time of the year, the burbot lives under ice and require frigid temperatures to breed. They are the only cod-like freshwater fish and are also known as mariah, coney-fish, freshwater ling, ling cod, freshwater cusk, and eelpout. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service facility is coordinating with a number of partners on the project including Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, and British Columbia Ministry of Forest, Lands, and Natural Resource Operation, and the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes.

the generations fund An Endowment

Endowment Flier - Page 1

Established by the Booth Society in 2004, the Generations Fund is an endowment with the South Dakota Community Foundation to ensure that D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery exists as a free family attraction for generations to come.

Thank you. Your tax-deductible gift to the Generations Fund will help ensure the future of D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery.

Donate to the D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery-Generations Fund online at: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org Click ‘Donate Now’, search ‘hatchery’

Name: _______________________________________________ !

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Address: _____________________________________________!

Return to:

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Booth Society!

_____________________________________________!

Amount: $ ________________! Phone: _____________________!

423 Hatchery Circle!

Spearfish, SD 57783

E-mail: ______________________________________! ___ Check Enclosed! ___ Credit Card __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

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Exp. ___ / ___

Booth Society, Inc. - D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives - 423 Hatchery Circle - Spearfish, SD 57783 - 605/642-7730 ext. 221!

Spread the Tunes

Canyon Acoustic Series

The Nesters

Six Mile Road

and Barry Great music, friends, ice cream!

Spread the Tunes, a nonprofit group in Spearfish, has sponsored the Canyon Acoustic Series since 2015. Proceeds from the event benefit the Booth Society. In 2017, $9,500 was raised for the Booth Society. Supporters swarmed City Park with lawn chairs and blankets on Wednesday evenings to relax and listen to local talented acoustic musicians. Area artists and crafters surround the edge of the park showing and selling their hand crafted products. Food vendors provide the concert goers with pizza, popcorn, BBQ sandwiches, tacos, ice cream, and of course, Crow Peak Beer. We are fortunate to be associated with such a fantastic event. Thank you to Spread the Tunes and everyone volunteering their time and efforts to make this event a success. Thank you also to all the sponsors - and to all that attends and enjoys the casual outdoor music venue. We are appreciative of this tremendous showing of support!

And More Community Support

ArtCentral painted fish on a crosswalk near the Hatchery.

Leones’ Creamery developed an unique “Rainbow Trout” ice cream.

Feeding the fish is a great way to support the fish hatchery.

BHSU Jacket Zone Saturday Storyhour!

4th Black Hills Beer Run:

A 5K Run with Costumes & Beer Tasting The 4th Annual Black Hills Beer Run was held on Sept. 17, 2017.

The weather was beautiful, the costumes were great, the beer was cold, and the support for the Booth Society was fantastic. !

Theresa and Barry Bibler of PartyTime and Queen City Liquor did a wonderful job planning and organizing the event - from finding sponsors, handling registrations, providing prizes and food, they were great! 250 individuals ran/walked the course. Plans are already in place for the 5th Annual Black Hills Beer Run scheduled for Sept. 16, 2018. See you there!

Theresa and Barry Bibler! great father-daughter team!

Hatchery Themed Costume Winner - Generations Statue.!

Mitch and Elouise Adams

Crow Peak Brewery won Fan Favorite trophy

Most Creative Costume

Best Group Costume

Community $$$ support *free family attraction *youth programs *special events *outreach programs *visitor services *tours *educational exhibits & displays *promotion *advocacy

Thank You!

2017 Hatchery Events & Happenings Kids Fishing Day

Ice Cream Social - Appreciation Event Thank you!

We were pleased to welcome so many friends to the beautifully decorated Ruby’s Garden on July 24.

Special thank you’s were shared with our friends, volunteers, board members, US Fish and Wildlife staff and community partners including the City of Spearfish, City Park Staff, BHSU, Visit Spearfish, and the Chamber of Commerce.

John Williams of Leones’ Creamery scoops up the first taste of Rainbow Trout ice cream, created for the event.

Kids Fishing Day is a collaborative effort put on by the following federal agencies: USFWS, BLM and the Forest Service.

Sing-along

Children sang songs and learned about live water bugs and insects with Scott and Kris Stewart.

Spearfish Masonic Lodge #18 displayed a plaque commemo rating D.C. Booth.

Special guests were Katharine Goodson & Jeff McInally, great-grandchildren of D.C. & Ruby Booth.

Rachel Headley, Booth Society president, accepted an Outside of Deadwood grant from Chuck Turbiville & Kevin Kuchenbecker for Booth House repairs.

Hatchery Holidays - food, music, shopping

Decked out for the Holidays, the hatchery grounds, Booth House and gift shop became a festive place to enhance your holiday shopping and enjoy the season.

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Ice Carving!

Santa Visits!

Center of the Nation Brass braving the cold to play outside.

A special thanks to the musicians that entertained throughout the evening: Northern Hills Chamber Choir, Lucy Cole, Hazel Maher, Center of the Nation Brass, Mary Pockup Strings.

Wine Tasting by Prairie Berry Winery

School Educational Tours

Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Cutthroat Throat - ! what do they eat? why do we keep our hands out of the water?

So many questions, so much to learn. There is excitement in the air when our 3,000+ student visitors arrive on the grounds.

School groups come from several states and reservations to feed the fish, learn about trout, and visit the Fish Rail Car, Booth House, Von Bayer Museum & Yellowstone Boat.!

Father’s Day Brunch Sunday, !

June 17!

Brunch was served by Cheyenne Crossing!

Weddings in Ruby’s Garden

Weddings and Ruby’s Garden. A perfect match!

Special times, unique location, beautiful memories. Information about weddings and special events in Ruby’s Garden can be found on our website. Thank you to our many volunteers for making these occasions go smoothly. Please call 642-7730 or visit dcboothfishhatchery.org for more information.

Booth Day

Games & Prizes,Hot Dogs Summer is Here!

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Fly Fishing Lessons by Spearfish Fly Shop

Help keep D.C. Booth a FREE attraction!

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Support D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives with a membership to the Booth Society!

The Booth Society Inc. is a non-profit group dedicated to promoting, preserving, and enhancing the educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities at D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives - in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.

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Your membership will help keep the hatchery experience alive for 160,000+ visitors each year.

Membership benefits are good for the calendar year.

All donations are tax-deductible.

Yes! I want to support D.C. Booth and become a member for 2018!

Individual Membership - $25 Family Membership - $50 Bronze Membership - $100 to $249 Silver Membership - $250 to $499 Gold Membership - $500 to $999 Platinum Membership - $1000 and up

Cut out and mail your 2018 Membership Form to: Booth Society 423 Hatchery Circle Spearfish, SD 57783 Or sign up online! www.dcboothfishhatchery.org/donate Name: ________________________________________

Small Fry Memberships $15

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• T-Shirt • Membership Card • Free Cup Fish Food

• (when wearing T-Shirt)

• 10% off at Gift Shop

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!Address: ______________________________________

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Business: _____________________________________

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Telephone: ____________________________________

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Email:________________________________________

For more information call 605-642-7730! or email director@dcboothfishhatchery.org

Please include your email so we can email you event reminders & our newsletter!

We do not sell or share your email with anyone outside of our organization.

Please keep my name & donation anonymous.

Home Sweet Home at the Fish Hatchery

Turkey Buzzards

Wood Ducks

Butterflies

Photography by Eric Roach, Thank You!

Cedar waxwing

Squirrels

Bald Eagles

Muskrats

Deer

Wild Turkey

Fish Food through the Years

by Jo Kallemeyn

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In the early 1950’s, John E. “Red” Hanson began experimenting with dry pellet formulations to feed fish while working at the New Mexico Game & Fish Department. The first feed pellets were introduced to hatchery trout at the Red River Hatchery, in Taos, NM. The two most important ingredients

FWS/Sam Stukel

Feeding fish is one of the favorite visitor activities here at D.C. Booth.

Before WWII, fish feeding was quite a different thing and probably not something a visitor would want to do.

Trout are carnivores - they prefer meat! This “Wanted” sign in our museum tells most of the story.

Before fish food pellets were developed in the early 1950’s, red meat, in Museum display sign particular FWS FAC Archives at D.C. Booth HNFH horse meat, was the preferred fish food.

The Spearfish National Fish Hatchery (D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery) had a meat room dedicated as the butchery where the meat was ground into fishsize bites in huge meat grinders. Other forms of flesh utilized in fish culture included deer, elk, and seal carcasses. Imagine the sight and order of the following early fish feeding method! Hatchery workers would suspend an animal carcass above the fish tank so the maggots that hatched on the carcass would drop into the fish tank to feed the fish.

In the Meat Shed traditionally have FWS FAC Archives at D.C. Booth NHFH been fish meal and fish oil, mainly from processing wild catch pelagic species not suited to human consumption. Fishmeal fisheries are often referred to as reduction fisheries - the largest off the coast of Peru & Chile, regulated by those governments. Along with fish meal and fish oil, the pellets include vegetable proteins, cereal grains, vitamin A and minerals, all providing the nutrition in a stable and concentrated form so fish can feed efficiently and grow to full potential.

Researches at South Dakota State University are currently experimenting with Meat Grinder soy based fish food FWS FAC Archives at D.C. Booth HNFH to determine the best levels of soy products without affecting physiology or growth. If successful, this may help eventually reduce the need for using wild-caught fish as food for farmraised fish - that is if environmental problems such as production of excess waste that could muddle inland tanks and offshore waters are solved.

Proceeds from fish food sales at D. C. Booth, are used to support educational programs such as Hatchery Helpers.

Thank you and enjoy!

New Interpretive Signs arriving June 2018

Eight new 3’ x 4’ interpretive signs will be installed on the grounds of the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery in June.

Each of the panels will help tell the story of the National Fish Hatchery System—from the establishment of the Federal Gisheries program in 1871 and how it has evolved over time to become what is now the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program.

The project was made possible via a $10,000 donation from the Sty family.

We are very grateful and appreciative of the Sty family’s support of D.C. Booth’s education and public outreach programs.

With 160,000 visitors annually, the signs will be a great addition to the facility’s visitor experience that will be accessible for viewing yearround!

NATIONAL PARK CURATOR ASSISTS FISHERIES ARCHIVES

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Brandon Sexton, a curator with the National Park Service (NPS), recently performed a six week detail to assist the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Archives located at D.C. Booth.

Working with D.C. Booth Curator April Gregory, Brandon worked to develop a process to reorganize the archival holdings to better facilitate access by researchers, staff, and volunteers. Currently the collection consists of approximately 1.7 million archival items.

However, the storage facility can currently accommodate 4.2 million items—over 2,616 linear feet. !

“The number of records and the importance of the holdings continue to increase,” Sexton stated, “With the material in the collection held in trust for the American people by the dedicated staff at D.C. Booth, I know that it will remain accessible for generations to come.”!

Sexton’s career with the NPS began as a student hire at Keweenaw National Historical Park in Michigan. Since then he has worked in Boston, MA, Yellowstone National Park, and most recently Pipespring Nat’l Monument in Arizona. His career has allowed him to gain an understanding of professional museum and archival processes as practiced by the NPS. It was during his time in Yellowstone that he became aware of the collections at D.C. Booth when he transferred a number of U.S. Bureau of Fisheries railcar china to the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Archives.

Historic Booth House receives much needed repairs The 113 year old Historic Booth House received birthday gift in 2017.

The Booth Society and US Fish and Wildlife Service were awarded a $13,200 Outside of Deadwood Grant from the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission. !

The grant money is being matched by the FWS and the Booth Society to repair/replace rotten wood, fix the front porch soldered tin roof, improve back porch decking, and paint the house.!

Before: rotten columns.

Back porch column repairs at Booth House.

South Dakota Jr. Duck Stamp Contest Conservation Through the Arts!

FREE & Open to All South Dakota Students (K-12) The Junior Duck Stamp Contest provides students with the opportunity to learn about biology and express their knowledge of the beauty and diversity of wildlife through art

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Thousands of dollars in prizes for South Dakota winners

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Art Supplies, Books and DVD’s, Fine Art Prints, T-Shirts, and more!

Proudly coordinated on behalf of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service The 2017 South Dakota Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program received nearly 500 pieces of artwork from kindergarten through high school students. Judging was held at the Tretheway Pavilion in Spearfish City Park on April 1.

Contest Deadline March 15th - every year!

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sdjuniorduck.org!

Thanks to our judges, Bruce Speidel, Terry Liddick, Carlos Martinez, Laurie Root and Joe Nichols.

Rachel Henderson, age 18, of Ipswich won the Best of Show in 2017. Her artworks is pictured below, along with other entries.

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Entries from 2017 contest

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Browse the Pond Shop Nancy Pummel-Cole, Pond Shop Manager

NEW! ONLY AT The POND SHOP!

One of the highlights of shopping at the Pond Gift Shop Unique designs available is the eclectic mix of customized memorabilia. Area artists on caps, mugs, T-shirts, posters, and suppliers offer both whimsical and functional items to and more. your shopping experience - unique jewelry, specialty jellies, syrups and pickles, local honey, artwork, home dĂŠcor, keepsake flower garden seed postcards, stickers, patches and magnets.

Enjoy a wide selection of educational games and hands on activities for kids as well as books of local interest and creative cookbooks. We have a variety of Quick Guides on topics from common weeds, wildflowers, butterflies, birds, fish and animal tracks. Our volunteers will help you find just the right size and style from a large assortment of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies for kids through adults.

If you need a special birthday, wedding or baby gift we are a great place to shop, and . . . your purchases support the Booth Society enabling this wonderful facility to remain a FREE place to visit.

Shop at the Pond Shop - unique, educational, speciality gifts

T-shirts, mugs, caps, books, and more . . . Open daily May-Sept.

Hatchery Helpers volunteer, learn about conservation and experience the outdoors !

The Hatchery Helpers Volunteer Program provides middle school students the opportunity to experience the outdoors, learn about conservation, work with professional biologists, and do their part to enhance Public Lands. The students worked on trail maintenance and landscaping as well as developed skills for recreational activities including archery. ! !

Two separate three week sessions, of 20 students each, spent mornings at the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives. The Booth Society and FWS staff are proud of this program and the impact it make on the students.

Kids spend time at the hatchery volunteering while learning about conservation, interacting with the public, developing interest in outdoors, volunteerism, and stewardship of public lands.

Kent Jensen, SDSU ornithologist, works with students to net, identify, and band birds.

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Many hours during the summer of 2017 were spent clearing the island in Pond One of tansy, an invasive weed. The island was planted with milkweed, native wildflowers, and wet prairie grasses to create a habitat for Monarch butterflies. Pictured with the students are the FWS seasonal coordinators of the program, Ashley Fulton and Elijah Small.

Hatchery Helpers regularly helped clean the raceways.

During the summer of 2016, Hatchery Helpers created a butterfly mosaic from plants.

One of the many aquatic species the Helpers learned about was crayfish.

This Helper proudly shows one off!

Local volunteers help year-round D.C. Booth hosts around 200 volunteers annually including groups including Boy Scouts, church groups, 4-H groups, Trout Unlimited, Master Gardeners, etc.

Master Gardeners

Of those 200 people, we have over 20 locals who regularly volunteer year-round at the hatchery, rain or shine. Our local volunteers help out with projects throughout the year. They help with special events, inventory at the gift shop, clean up days, and so much more. We are so grateful to have them helping us in a variety of ways.!

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Volunteers arrive, stay the summer!

Our traveling RV volunteers camp in Volunteer Village in the Spearfish City Park and provide visitor service to our many guests to the Hatchery. In 2017 our volunteers arrived from many states including Nevada, Florida, California, Connecticut, Texas, and Alaska. The volunteers work in the gift shop and provide interpretive historical tours in the Booth House, Fish Rail Car, and Von Bayer Museum. They also greet visitors and share information about the hatchery on the grounds.!

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One of A Kind

by Grant Keefer, RV Volunteer from CA

A couple from Duluth, Traveled west with their youth; With adventure and learning in mind.

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They reached the Black Hills, Took in all the thrills; But sensed there was more yet to find.

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On to Spearfish to camp, They hiked over the ramp; To an oasis of ponds to unwind.

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Volunteers at the door, Encouraging to explore; A treasure for all to be mined.

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Fish Hatchery history and more A dream to restore; Their vacation now silver lined.

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DC Booth shows the way From the past to today; It is truly one of a kind.

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Trout Unlimited

We our Volunteers!

This newsletter was written and published by the

Booth Society, Inc. D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives 423 Hatchery Circle - SpearGish, SD 57783 (605)642-7730 ext. 221 - (605) 642-2336 fax www.dcboothGishhatchery.org

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Hatchery Happenings is produced by the Booth Society and its content and articles do not necessarily represent the of7icial views of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Upcoming 2018 Hatchery Events ➡ ➡ ➡ ➡ ➡ ➡

April 7 State Jr. Duck Stamp Awards May 19 Booth Day June 17 Father’s Day Brunch June 27 -Aug 1 Wednesday night Concert Series Sept. 16 5th Annual Black Hills Beer Run Dec . 1 Hatchery Holidays

Visit our website for details on upcoming events, hatchery information, and to receive the newsletter via email. www.dcboothfishhatchery.org

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PRESORTED! STANDARD! US!POSTAGE!PAID! PERMIT'#56' SPEARFISH,!SD! 5778350550!