OK, I can now post this without letting the cat out of the bag! Most of the northern PB Forum members either know or know of Norm Kopecky. Norm manages a nice property just south of Sioux Falls, SD. His largest pond is well-designed to accomodate anglers with various types of challenges, such as wheelchair access.
Well, next week (Mar 22-24), Norm will receive a Special Recognition Award from the Dakota Chapter of the American Fisheries Society during their annual meeting out in Spearfish, SD. He was nominated by the SD Game, Fish and Parks biologists for his good work. Norm was planning to attend the chapter meeting, so we were going to surprise him. However, just this week, he had to cancel on us. Thus, we had to tell him about the darn award!
As a result, it's now ok for me to post the announcement on the Forum a little ahead of time. By the way, I think they talked him into attending the meeting.
Following is the nomination form that was submitted. I thought many of you would like to read it. Congratulations to Norm!!!
Nomination of Norm Kopecky for Dakota Chapter �Special Recognition� Award
Dakota Chapter member, Norm Kopecky, is deserving of special recognition for his efforts to provide fishing opportunity for disadvantaged anglers. Kopecky�s 4-acre pond has served as a fishing destination for about 200 to 250 anglers annually for several years. Anglers include participants in programs such as Dakota Abilities and School for the Visually Handicapped as well residents of nursing homes and disadvantaged individuals. Anglers can expect fast fishing (10+ fish each hour) for a wide variety of fish species including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, wipers, walleye, goldeye, various sunfish and a host of other species. Anglers can fish from a 32 foot long covered dock with safety railings. Another popular fishing location is on a bridge leading to one of the seven islands scattered around the pond. Kopecky provides the tackle and bait and requires a volunteer to personally assist each angler. He insists on using circle hooks to minimize hooking mortality.
Kopecky, a native of Bellwood, Nebraska, grew up fishing and hunting and was always interested in natural diversity. He received his BS in Biology from the University of Nebraska (finished up at UNO), an MS in Business from Troy State University in Alabama, and an MS in Psychological Counseling from Ball State University in Indiana. Kopecky served as a seasonal at Jewel Cave and as a naturalist at both the Fontenelle Forest near Bellevue, Nebraska and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. He spent 25 years working for the U.S. Post Office as a clerk and has two kids, one who is raising reptiles. He currently likes to collect wildflower seed and manage his ponds for fishing. He has been a member of the Dakota Chapter for about 10 years and has attended several of the annual meetings. His ponds have been featured in two articles in the Pond Boss Magazine including one that highlighted a study on fish condition conducted by Dakota Chapter members, Tom Bacula, Kris Edwards and Dr. Dave Willis.
Just yesterday, I received another call from an angler inquiring why we were not going to stock one of his favorite walleye lakes this year. It is refreshing when someone who loves biotic diversity and outdoor activities takes steps to provide opportunities for those who might not otherwise get to participate, thus giving something back rather than asking what is in it for me. As a natural resource organization, I feel it is in our best interest to recognize this type of behavior.
Submitted by Dave Lucchesi, Fisheries Biologist
