Laura DeCook,
naturalist with the Mahaska County Conservation Board is the 2015 recipient of
the Brass Bluegill award from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fish Iowa! program. The award has been
presented each year since 1996 to an instructor who has established an
outstanding local program that exemplifies the goals of Fish Iowa!
DeCook began
working with Fish Iowa! almost 20
years ago with the introduction of the national “Hooked on Fishing, Not on
Drugs” materials. As the At-Risk Coordinator for Southeast Warren Community
Schools, she developed a K-12 mentoring program based on fishing that is still
active today.
DeCook moved
into the County Conservation Board system in 1997 where she continued to be a
strong advocate for angling and general aquatic education in Warren, Appanoose,
and Mahaska counties. She has conducted fishing classes, camps, and events for thousands
of youth, families, women, and persons with disabilities. Her programs have
encompassed Fish Iowa! topics and
skills ranging from basic spincasting and ice fishing to fly-fishing. She has
also been active in recruiting by assisting schools in conducting the Fish Iowa! Games casting contest and currently
is serving as an advisor to the national Archery Trade Association in the
development of Explore Bowfishing.
DeCook has been
a Fish Iowa! trainer since 2002, sharing the educational resources,
and her love of fishing, with some 40 other teachers, naturalists, and youth
leaders throughout southeastern Iowa.
“Fishing is a
lifetime activity. It can be enjoyed by
people of all ages and abilities. Being
able to share this activity with others and to spend time with people outdoors
is a highlight of my profession.” said DeCook.
When she is not teaching fishing classes she can be found at one of her
favorite bow fishing spots or taking her two boys fishing, hunting or to youth
sporting activities.
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