New Diggs

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For those of you who may be going out to the John E Pechmann Fishing Education Center for the Fly Fishing Clinics you are in for a treat. The construction on the new 4, 800 sq ft ,$3,000,000 dollar facility has been completed and it looks wonderful. The Site is a former NC State Fish Hatchery were kids and their families will be able to learn about fishing and aquatic resources in a hands on enviroment.

Other than the Fly Fishing Clinics, little is known about the 2008 schedule at this point, nor has a date for a Grand Opening been scheduled. However, there are several family oriented fishing events being planned.

The new building houses offices for center staff, and Exhibit Hall, and Class room. The classroom is spacious and can accomodate large groups of interested anglers. Also, new landscaping around the site will provide adequate parking for events that can attract in excess of 1500 participants. All of the ponds are full of water and are stocked at this point. Three ponds have Catfish, two have Trout for the Fly Fishing Clinics, and the last is stocked with Hybrid Bass to ensure that participating anglers will have a full fishing experience when they visit. Also, there is a First class Handi cap accessible fishing platform on one of the ponds to assist the handicapped in the persuit of fsihing.

The site is named in honor of John Pechmann, a Fayetteville Lawyer, and former Chairman of the Wildlife Resources Commission. Sadly, John passed away just prior to site being dedicated in his honor. He is known to have worked tirelessly toward improvement in NC Fish and Wildlife regulations and mangement. John also sponored and promoted youth fishing programs and provided many young people with lifetiem fishing license. This is a fitting honor to a man who dedicated himself to North Carolina's wildlife resources.

The Fishing Education Center is an unique oppourtunity for North Carolina anglers. So do yourself a favor, come visit us in Fayetteville and take advantage of this great resource.