The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) celebrated their top Aquatic Volunteer Instructors at an Appreciation Banquet and extended education opportunity on Thursday, October 19th at Frenier Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar in LaPlace, LA. Prior to kicking off the banquet and awards ceremony, VIPs attended presentations about Louisiana aquatic invasive species and LDWF’s Fisheries Mobile Museum program.
Volunteers are part of LDWF’s Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program, also known as Aquatic VIP. They are trained and certified by Fisheries Outreach and Education staff to educate more youth and adults across the state about Louisiana’s fisheries and aquatic resources. From July 2022 thru July 2023, Aquatic VIPs logged over 1,600 hours, participated in 117 events, and had nearly 11,000 face to face interactions. Aquatic VIPs are essential for educating and promoting the wise utilization of Louisiana’s fisheries resources.
Certificates and awards were presented to volunteers in different categories. Those who served 40 hours or more during the fiscal year 2022-2023 received the Fintastic Award: Debrina Baham, Elizabeth Duplechain, Joe France, Don Montgomery, Jodi Morton, Jac Lyn Owenby, Edwin Richards, Doreen Rivere, Beth Schwander, Jay Schwander, Stephanie Vidrine, and Nancy Walsh. Educator of the Year was presented to Nancy Walsh from Cabrini High School. Outstanding Performance Awards were presented to Elizabeth Duplechain and Stephanie Vidrine for their participation in multiple extended day and overnight events. The Aquatic VIP Rookie of the Year was awarded to Doreen Rivere, and the Aquatic VIP of the Year to Edwin Richards. LDWF’s Fisheries Outreach and Education section would like to thank all of the amazing volunteers that dedicate their time and passion towards aquatic and fisheries education!
To learn more about the Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program or to register for an upcoming workshop please visit: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/aquatic-vip
The Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program is hosted in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation. The LWFF was formed to provide a means for individuals and corporations to become partners with the Department and Commission in the challenge of conserving Louisiana’s wildlife and fisheries resources.
The Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program is funded by the Sport Fish Restoration Fund, a USFWS grant program that provides grant funds to the states, the District of Columbia and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access and aquatic education.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. LDWF depends on license sales as a major funding source. Please help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email or text alerts signup here.