The Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife received a $299,000 Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Fish and Wildlife Service Region 5 under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605), effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. This award supports the planning and implementation of quality aquatic education throughout Vermont by exploring, implementing, and evaluating innovative approaches to teacher training and curriculum development in aquatic resource education.
The grant enables the department to streamline the certification process for volunteer instructors, enhance volunteer instructor training programs, and expand educational fishing programs accessible to all Vermonters. These initiatives directly support the Sport Fish Restoration program's mandate to restore, conserve, manage, and enhance sport fish populations while providing public access to aquatic recreational resources. The funding reinforces Vermont's broader conservation infrastructure by strengthening the educational foundation necessary to promote sustainable fisheries stewardship and public engagement in sport fishing activities.