Making it Happen in Emmett, Idaho
"Edˇ¦s Pond" opened on April 1, 1999 (no foolinˇ¦!) after being stocked with trout by the Idaho Fish and Game Department. This new one-and-a-half-acre pond is named after Ed Mansfield of Emmett who has worked tirelessly to make it happen.
Ed had a dream: On an island located downstream from the Washington Street Bridge in Emmett, he envisioned a 100-acre complex called Gem Island Sports Complex which would include: the pond, baseball and soccer fields, basketball and volleyball courts, a BMX course, walking trails and an outdoor amphitheater. By utilizing a "matching funds" system, local businesses, Gem County (owner of the island, formerly known as "Barker Island"), volunteers, and grant-monies from Idaho Department of Fish and Game and other organizations -- this dream became a reality.
Idaho Fish & Game was technical advisor on the construction of the pond, restroom and parking lot. Fish and Game used monies received from the Federal Aid for Sports Fish Restoration Program with matching funds from other organizations.
Idaho Fish and Game has completed two other ponds recently by matching funds with other organizations. The pond in Idaho City at the Visitors Center, plus two ponds outside Lowman. The U. S. Forest Service matched funds for the ponds near Lowman, whereas matching funds for the Idaho City pond came from the city and local donors.
"This tactic of matching funds has enabled the F&G Department to make its limited funds go farther and provide additional fishing opportunities," said Dale Allen, IDFG Regional Fisheries Manager.
Copyright ©1999 Peter Fischer