The NJ School of Conservation in Sussex County will be the host site for an exciting Coldwater Conservation School being offered this year by the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife and the NJ State Council of Trout Unlimited and its supporting chapters. The School will be held from June 24 - 27 and is open to youth who will be between the ages of 11 and 15 at the time of the program.

The goal of the School is to foster a knowledge and appreciation of trout and the coldwater habitats on which they depend. Trout are a front line indicator of the health of our streams and environment. Understanding all of the elements necessary for healthy streams and good trout habitat helps students realize the importance of stream and water quality protection, and roles they can play in stream conservation.

Division of Fish and Wildlife biologists and instructors from Trout Unlimited will teach sessions where students will learn about stream ecology, fish habitat, fish biology and identification, aquatic insect identification, fly tying, fly-fishing, conservation law enforcement, riparian forests and stream restoration. There will also be evening programs where students will learn about reptiles and New Jersey's black bears.

The cost of the Coldwater Conservation School is only $150.00, which includes food, lodging and equipment for the entire 4 days and 3 nights. Space is limited and the application process is competitive.

Information about the Coldwater Conservation School including a brochure and the official application can be found at: http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/conservation_school.htm .

Applications are due no later than April 1, 2010. Students accepted into the School will be notified by the end of April.

Information about Trout Unlimited can be found at: http://www.njtu.org/ and the NJ School of Conservation at http://csam.montclair.edu/njsoc/ .

Entries for the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife's Native Fish Art and Writing Contest must be received by Friday, March 5, 2010. This contest provides an excellent opportunity for fourth through seventh grade students to learn about New Jersey's native fish.

Participants must write a short story about a year in the life of a native New Jersey fish of their choice. The story must include biological and ecological information such as the fish's habits and habitat, food, etc. Then, using their artistic skills, students must draw a scene from the short story. Creative writing and originality are important judging criteria.

First and second place winners from each grade level will receive a fishing rod and reel and a certificate. First place winners will also receive a youth membership to Trout Unlimited. All winners will be invited to attend a special luncheon and awards ceremony at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center on the Opening Day of Trout Season, April 10, 2010.

Prior to the luncheon, contest winners and their families will have the opportunity to experience spectacular trout fishing in the Pequest Fishing Education Pond.

The contest is sponsored by New Jersey chapters of Trout Unlimited.

For more information, see http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/fishart.htm on the division's Web site.