MOHA STEP OUTSIDE TO CELEBRATE THE OUTDOORS DAY A SUCCESS

Fishing Leaders Hit Homerun with MOHA Major League Event
Young baseball fans lined up to enjoy the chance to try shooting, archery and angling before the Minnesota Twins game on Sunday, May 2nd, 2004

photos by J Gerchy, Outdoors Weekly
Vern Wagner (far left) and Todd Saterbak (far right), of the MN Bass Masters Federation, pose at a Twins game with two youngsters that participated in the Casting Kids Competition at the Bass Masters Classic. Lucas Lindgren (left), 7-10 age group, and Josh Erickson, 11-14 age group. Scroll down for more photos.

"Major league," said Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance President Mark LaBarbera to describe the MN Twins/MOHA Step Outside to Celebrate the Outdoors event at the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis. "Kids had stars in their eyes with fishing pros and Major League Baseball pros pitching in to promote fishing and boating to new audiences," he said.

"Thanks to fishing industry leaders like pro Ted Takasaki, President of Lindy Little Joe tackle company, who volunteered his time and Ranger/Merc rig for the day, we were able to cover all of the bases," said LaBarbera, also President of the Outdoor Heritage Education Center. Like MN Governor Tim Pawlenty, DNR leaders, Takasaki, BASS Federation's Vern Wagner and Todd Saterbak, and Muskie Inc.'s Dave Overland, a lot of big wigs stepped up to the plate for the good of the kids and the sport.

This first of its kind event drew national attention, showcasing Minnesota's leadership. Fans got a kick out of the young BASS Casting Kids using their rods and reels to "cast" the first pitch to start the game.

An 18-foot Water Works Wonders banner--created from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation's Take Me Fishing campaign--urged the 25,000 fans to go fishing with their family and friends.

Dozens of hands-on exhibits, including OHEC's Touch of the Wild, DNR Enforcement's K-9 unit, Forestry, Wildlife, Fishing in the Neighborhood and MinnAqua, added to this "homerun" of an event. Enforcement Chief Mike Hamm praised the collaboration with the MOHA alliance and reiterated the goal of hooking young people, which ultimately creates more stewards for the environment and natural resources.

Doug Mientkiewicz poses with Smokey the Bear moments before the game on Sunday. Smokey celebrates his 60th birthday this year.

Olympic archer Aaron Cross scored hits on targets placed over 90 meters away.

DNR Fisheries had aquariums on display on the Plaza for kids and adults to see prior to the game.

For the first time in Twins history, the first pitch was a cast from the mound.

"This is a great opportunity for all of us."
--Nancy McReady, President, Conservationist With Common Sense

"Overtime we invite kids or adults to step outside with the OHEC FUN-of-a-GUN or Touch of the Wild traveling museum trailer, we are reminded of how much fun it is for them and for us, too, to share outdoor-related experiences."
--Vicki Herman, Outdoor Heritage Education Center

"Based on what we have seen come together for 2004, you can bet that we have already begun planning next year's event with our friends at the Twins, RBFF and NSSF, and MOHA's conservation group leaders!"
--Mark LaBarbera, President, Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty Praises Hunters, Reaffirms Commitment to Outdoor Heritage
May 2, 2004

(Transcript of message to 25,000 Minnesota Twins fans at MOHA Step Outside event)

I wish my family and I could Step Outside and be there with you and all of our Outdoor Heritage friends.

I wanted to take the time now to send this special message to you because you do so much for conservation. Consistently, you go to bat for fish and wildlife, and you give so much of your time, talent and treasure to cover all the bases for Minnesota‚s natural resources and our valuable outdoor traditions.

Thanks to you and others who are so important to the quality of life we enjoy in Minnesota, we are able to continue our great outdoor heritage. You work tirelessly for future generations to be able to experience our great outdoors, including clean water that flows through all of our lives. You understand that we all live downstream from someone else, and need to not only protect our existing waters, but to create a net gain in wetlands and other critical resources.

I applaud your dedication and commitment.

In turn, I commit to you that my administration will continue to step to the plate and push for broad-based conservation efforts and funding that will help the dedicated professionals at the Dept of Natural Resources and other agencies do what‚s best for all Minnesotans.

Minnesota's Alliance of hunters and anglers have a tradition of giving more to natural resources than they take. From small chapter meeting rooms to large banquet fundraisers and, even, huge Outdoor Heritage rallies at the Metrodome, you set a standard of giving that deserves not only recognition, but widespread support. To me, Minnesota‚s outdoor traditions are like baseball - You know - all-American, apple pie, kind of values.

I salute you.

Have fun.

May God bless Minnesota and America.