The Manti-La Sal National Forest gathered rangers from all over the state, including some rangers from out-of-state, on Friday, June 21, for the United States Forest Service (USFS) and United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) annual Special Needs Fishing Day.

Coordinating and running the event were members of the USDA and USFS, not just from the Manti-La Sal region, but from all over the state. Also present were members of Idaho’s McCall smokejumpers. But all were gathered here for one purpose, to give people with special needs the chance to get out and go fishing.

The event had people of all ages and abilities coming down to Gigliotti Pond in Helper, Utah, including students from the Castle Valley Center in Price, Utah.

Those in attendance were provided everything they needed to get out and cast a line, including poles and bait. Attendees were allowed to keep two of the fish they caught during the event, with rangers manning a station to help with cleaning the freshly caught fish.

This marks the 16th year that the event has been held by the orginizations, with Biologist Jeff Jewkes speaking on what he attributes the continued success of the event to be, saying,” We have wonderful sponsors and a great ranger turnout, they enjoy this event.”

To stay up to date on future activities hosted by the USFS and the USDA, you can visit their website here.