McKenzie Ranger District receives Partnership Award
BISMARCK – The USDA Forest Service McKenzie Ranger District has received the North Dakota Recreation & Park Association (NDRPA) Partnership Award at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City Wednesday, the district announced in a news release.
The NDRPA Partnership Award is presented to an agency or organization that has developed a successful partnership to create a project or program that benefits the community, region, or state and increases awareness of the importance of parks, recreation, and leisure services in quality of life.
According to Stacy DeFoe, USDA Forest Service McKenzie Ranger District’s Lands Special Uses administrator, the NDRPA Partnership Award recognizes the partnership with the Watford City Parks and Rec program for the annual Children’s Fishing Derby.
The annual angling event observed its 20th iteration in June at Watford City’s Kent Pelton Nature Park. The derby day attendance has grown exponentially, from about 75 youth in 2004 to more than 200 children ages 13 and younger this year, the release stated. Poles, tackle, bait and other fishing equipment are provided for participants and their families.
The NDRPA has more than 900 members, including park districts, agencies, organizations and individuals interested in parks, recreation, conservation, trails, tourism, fitness, and more.